Butterfly missing number task cards 1-20 give pre-k and kindergarten students a hands-on way to practice number order! Children look at each butterfly number strip, figure out which number is missing and place the matching butterfly number card on the blank butterfly.

Missing numbers ask children to think about what comes before, what comes after and how each number fits into a sequence. Two levels of task cards and coordinating black and white worksheets give children more than one way to build number order skills, with a cheerful spring theme of monarch and yellow butterflies.

With these butterfly missing number task cards, you get

• Butterfly missing number strips with two levels of practice
• Butterfly number cards for numbers 1-20
• Number sequences for 1-10 and 11-20
• Coordinating black and white worksheets
• Teacher instructions for setup and use

Print, laminate and let the number order practice take flight!

What's Included

• Butterfly themed missing number strips
• Butterfly number cards for numbers 1-20
• Number sequence practice for numbers 1-10
• Number sequence practice for numbers 11-20
• Print-and-go black and white worksheets for independent practice
• Teacher instructions for setup and use

Why Teachers Love It

• Two levels in one set: Start with simpler sequences and move to more challenging ones when children are ready.
• Hands-on first: Children move number cards, test answers and see the sequence come together before writing.
• Worksheets included: Coordinating worksheets are ready for morning work, small group follow-up or take-home review.
• Easy storage: Punch a hole in each strip and keep the set on a book ring.
• Reusable: Laminated strips and cards hold up to repeat use.
• Perfect for spring: The butterfly theme fits spring centers, insect themes and life cycle units.

Skills Students Practice

Primary Academic Skills

• Missing numbers 1-20: Children find the number that completes each sequence.
• Number order: Children practice what comes before and after a number.
• Number recognition: Children read numerals 1-20 on the strips and cards.
• Counting forward: Children count on from a given number to find the missing one.
• Writing numbers: The worksheets let children write the missing numbers.

Secondary Life & Learning Skills

• Working independently
• Following directions
• Maintaining attention
• Using mathematical language
• Building confidence

How to Use It

Step 1: Print the missing number strips and butterfly number cards. Laminate the pages for durability, then cut apart the strips and number cards. Punch a hole in one corner of each strip and place the strips on a book ring. Store the number cards in a small baggie, envelope or pouch.

Step 2: Children choose a strip, look carefully at the number sequence and find which number is missing. They place the matching butterfly number card on the blank butterfly to complete the sequence.

Step 3: Use the coordinating black and white worksheets after the task cards or as a separate number order activity for independent practice, morning work, small group follow-up or take-home review.

Materials You'll Need

• Laminating supplies
• A hole punch and book ring
• A small baggie, envelope or pouch for the number cards

Easy Differentiation

Children build number sense at different speeds. These task cards are easy to adjust for each learner.

For Children Who Need More Support

• Start with the 1-10 sequences
• Offer only a few butterfly number cards at one time
• Count the numbers on the strip aloud together
• Use a number line as a visual reference

For On-Level Practice

• Use the task cards in math centers
• Ask children to say the number before and after
• Move between the 1-10 and 11-20 sequences
• Follow up with the coordinating worksheets

For an Extra Challenge

• Use Level 2 task cards
• Use the worksheets with longer number sequences
• Have children write the missing numbers without the number cards
• Ask children to explain how they found each missing number

For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support

• Practice number names aloud while placing each card
• Use words such as before, after and next
• Pick up and place cards for fine motor practice
• Let children point to the answer when speaking is hard
• Give extra processing time and model each strip first

Perfect For

• Kindergarten math centers
• Pre-k number practice
• Small groups
• Math intervention groups
• Morning work
• Butterfly and insect themes
• Spring math activities
• Take-home practice
• Special education classrooms
• Homeschool

Standards

These butterfly missing number task cards support kindergarten standards in Common Core, the TEKS (Math) and the Virginia Math SOL (2023), along with early math guidelines for preschool:

Common Core State Standards

• CCSS K.CC.A.2: Count forward beginning from a given number to find the missing one.
• CCSS K.CC.A.3: Write numbers from 0 to 20 on the coordinating worksheets.

Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines

• Texas Pre-K Guidelines PK4.V.A.5: Recognize numerals 0-10 on the number strips and butterfly number cards.

Texas TEKS

• TEKS Math K.2.A: Count forward to at least 20 with and without objects.
• TEKS Math K.2.B: Read, write and represent whole numbers from 0 to at least 20.

Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards

• Virginia ELDS CD3.1: Compare numbers, count and recognize quantities while completing number sequences.

Virginia SOL

• VA SOL Math K.NS.1.e: Count forward by ones starting at any given number.
• VA SOL Math K.NS.2.a: Read, write and identify numerals, practiced here from 1-20.

Check out what other educators are saying:

★★★★★ Jennifer K. wrote, “A fun way to practice number recognition and counting skills.”

★★★★★ Kayla Y. wrote, “Loved it!”

Add the Butterfly Missing Number Task Cards 1-20 to your cart and bring hands-on number order practice to your spring math centers. Print, laminate and watch your students complete every butterfly sequence!

This activity is also included in my Butterfly Life-Cycle Cross-Curricular Bundle for K-1 at a reduced price. Do not purchase both.

Download Details

Please note: This is a digital download that will be available to you directly after purchase. Nothing will be mailed to you.

You will receive a link to the download in three places

• On the 'thank you' page after checkout
• In your email
• Login on the site here: https://lifeovercsstore.com/account