Rocket Counting Race: Free Printable Game for Reception

Rocket Counting Race is a free printable game for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children roll a dice, count the dots and move their rocket along the board towards the Moon. They say each number aloud as they go, and the numbers on the squares go past 20.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Children race a rocket to the Moon. They take turns to roll a dice, count the dots and move a counter that many squares. Each number is said aloud as the counter lands on it. The squares are numbered beyond 20, so children practise saying and reading bigger numbers in order. Two small toys make good counters. Players can also add a boost square of their own with a pen.

Why race to the Moon?

Fun facts about the Moon and rockets

• The Moon travels around the Earth. It is Earth's natural satellite.
• The Moon does not make its own light. It shines because it reflects light from the Sun.
• There is no air to breathe on the Moon, so astronauts need spacesuits.
• A rocket countdown goes backwards, such as 3, 2, 1, then lift off.
• The Moon looks different on different nights because we see more or less of its sunlit side.

Skills and curriculum link

• Counting past 20
• Counting on
• Matching numbers to squares
• Reading numerals
• Taking turns

Ideas behind the game

• One number for each squareChildren say one number for each square they move onto. This keeps spoken counting and moving in step.
• Number orderNumbers always come in the same order. A board lays that order out so children can see what comes next.
• Counting onChildren start from the square they are on and keep counting forward. They do not go back to one each turn.
• Taking turnsWaiting, watching and rolling in turn are early social skills. They matter as much as the counting.

Key words

• CountSay numbers in order, one for each thing you are counting.
• Counting onStart from the number you are on and keep counting forward. You do not go back to one.
• SquareOne space on the board. Your counter sits on one square at a time.
• DiceA small cube with dots on each face. The dots tell you how many to count.
• CounterA small object, such as a toy, that stands for you on the board.
• TurnYour go. Then you wait while the next player has theirs.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is the game for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes for the grown up.
2. Choose two small toys as counters and put them at the start. Find a dice with dots.
3. Play the first game together. Roll, count the dots, then move that many squares. Say each number aloud as you land on it.
4. Talk about what happens. Ask, "Which number are you on now?" and "What comes next?"
5. Come back another day and play again. Repeating a familiar game builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• Which number is your rocket on now?
• What number do you think comes next?
• How did you know how many squares to move?
• Who is ahead, and how can you tell?
• What would you like to see on the Moon?
• What rule would you give your boost square?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits

Before this game, children count objects up to 20 and learn that each number name matches one thing. They also begin to recognise numerals and say them in order.

After it, children count further and begin to count forwards and backwards from different starting numbers. They also start adding two small groups together, which the two dice idea begins to practise. In Year 1, this grows into counting to 100 and beyond, and working with number lines.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Rocket Counting Race for?

It is for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children may enjoy it with lots of help. Older children can use the stretch idea of adding two dice.

What will children practise?

They practise counting in order beyond 20, matching numbers to squares, counting on and taking turns. They say numbers aloud as they move, which helps them remember the order.

What do I need to play?

You need the printed page, a dice with dots and two small toys as counters. A pencil or pen is useful if you want to add your own boost square. Nothing else is needed.

What if it feels too hard?

Slow down. Count the dots on the dice by touching each one. Then move one square at a time, counting only the new squares you land on. Play a short race and try again another day.

Is it free to use?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another group, so it is easy to share.

Can teachers use it in class?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, a table activity, an early finisher task or a supply resource. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.

Is it a screen free activity?

Yes. It is a printable game that needs only paper, a dice and counters. It suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Do I need colour? No, black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper.