Birthday Numbers 1 to 20 for Elementary ELLs

 This resource (Birthday Numbers 1–20 — Printable Numbers & Birthday Activities for Elementary ELL) is included in The Birthday Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Birthday-Unit-for-Elementary-ESL-5279726

Mastery of number words and symbols enables ELLs to follow lessons confidently. They need to understand, say, and respond to numbers in classroom instructions. Adaptable for lower and higher elementary students. Ready-to-print PDF — ideal for immediate classroom use (no complicated setup).

Printable Number Cards (1–20)

There are two sets—number flashcards with balloons and balloon clipart for counting. They are perfect to build number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and oral language skills for your ELLs.

Use the printable flashcards for the students recognize and name numbers 1 to 20. They can match the numeral to the balloon bunch card.

Number Recognition & Flashcard Drill. The flash cards are great for scaffolded language practice: “How many balloons?” “There are sixteen.”

Have several students grab a flashcard to say their age: I am eleven years old. 

Practice pronunciation of the numbers in English.

Small cards for recognizing and read numbers from 1 to 20 confidently. 

Just cut the word off all the twenty cards and have the students play matching these to the numeral.

Speaking/writing activities. They can say the the number word using the small cards and write it.

Worksheets

Read and Color the Number" birthday baloons worksheets. Color the correct number of balloons or shapes using your favorite colors.

Reading number words to match to the numeral will help remember these high-frequency words.

Students will listen about the numbers and color accordingly, increasing vocabulary. Then, write the color of each balloon.

Students connect number words to quantity, reinforcing counting skills from 1 to 20.

Games

Number Bingo boards

 Use the number flashcards as bingo callers. Students fill in each bingo board with the numbers 1 to 20, but writing only five numbers in each. First to match 5 gets to say all their numbers aloud!

Birthday-themed activities and games.

Matching mats

 Cut cards and laminate them for durability. Store number cards in an envelope labeled “Birthday Numbers 1–20”.

 Lay all three sets of cards face up on the table or in a pocket chart. Ask students to pick one numeral card, then find the matching balloon bunch and number word. Once matched, they can say the full sentence: “I see sixteen balloons. This is the number 16. It says sixteen.”

Balloon Counting File Folder Game

Give students a fun, hands-on way to practice numbers with this Balloon Counting File Folder Game. After assembling the file folder, children count the balloons and match each picture to the correct numeral or number word.

The interchangeable cards allow you to create different matching combinations, keeping the activity fresh and engaging. This reusable game is perfect for independent learning, math centers, small groups, or fast finishers, helping students build confidence with counting and number recognition from 1 to 20.

Another use for the mats is to cut all the number words and place in random order in a book ring, Students can color the balloons numbers as they see on the card.

Several spaces on the game board have a number balloon (1–20). Students roll a die and move forward. If they land on a balloon, they must say the number. There is an optional small board game to color the number word.

The worksheets are part of the complete Birthday Unit, designed to help young ELLs develop language skills around a fun, familiar theme. Go to this blog post:    https://eflelementaryresources.blogspot.com/2024/09/this-resource-is-included-in-birthday.html

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