Set up a picture of cornstalks next to a pile of yellow math blocks or cubes. Students place a single cube on each cornstalk. Then, they count the cubes to find out the total number of cornstalks on the picture. At the bottom of the picture, students write the number representing the total. Extend the activity by having children make their own pictures of cornstalks and using counters to figure out how many they have in all.
This counting corn project combines kindergarteners' love of snack time with basic math skills review. Pop enough popcorn for everyone to have a serving. Save an extra bowl for a counting popcorn activity. Each child gets a small amount of popcorn. They glue each piece to a long strip of card stock or sentence strip paper. Then they count their popcorn kernels and write the total amount on the paper. Transform each popcorn number line into a headband by attaching the two ends together with tape or staples.
This counting activity integrates natural science. You can use corn seeds or any other type of seeds that sprout quickly. Procure high quality sweet corn seeds, preferably untreated with pesticides, for optimal results. Students each get a small number of corn seeds. They count the seeds and write the total number on a sheet of paper or in a science notebook. They should also draw each seed to create a visual record. Have students soak their seeds for 24 hours. Over the next few days, they can check their seeds and draw and count the sprouts that form.
The classic kindergarten rhyme "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" is perfect for practicing backwards counting that eventually leads to subtraction. Make it a corn-themed rhyme by chanting "Five Little Corn Kernels Popping on the Bed" instead, and having five students pretending to be corn kernels that pop from a seated position to standing. Students count the corn kernels as you remove players one by one from the game.