Beach Numbers 1–20 Activity Pack | Counting, Number Words, Games & Centers

This resource (Beach Numbers 1–20 Activity Pack — Printable ESL Counting Games & Number Cards) is included in Beach Unit for Elementary at this link:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beach-Unit-for-Elementary-ESL-4075972

Young learners need repeated, hands-on practice to understand numbers beyond 10. Counting shells on a sandcastle gives students concrete, visual support as they learn to recognize quantities, compare numbers, and count accurately. This boosts students’ language comprehension while practicing math. All materials are ready to print — just cut & go!  

Flashcards are flexible and allow teachers to create many short, meaningful tasks without needing to prep more materials.

Number Recognition Drill. Match the Beach Numeral to the Sandcastle. Students work individually or in pairs to match the number flashcard to the sandcastle quantity card.

 

Ordering Activity. Use one set of printable number cards for ESL kids at a time: Students place numeral cards in order from 1–20.

Flashcard number beach theme Bingo. Give students bingo sheets with numerals or quantities. Flash the opposite card (sandcastle or number) as the calling card.

Fly Swatter Number Game. Place several of the sandcastle quantity flashcards and numeral cards on the board. Call out a number or show a flashcard, and students race to swat the matching card with a fly swatter. This game helps learners strengthen number recognition.

Flashlight Reveal. Cover each small flashcard with yellow paper. Students take turns shining a flashlight behind the covered card to reveal the hidden sandcastle or numeral. When they see the image appear, they say the number out loud. This adds a fun element of surprise that keeps students engaged!

Listen and Color – Beach Numbers Worksheets. Students listen to the teacher call out a shell number and its color, then find the matching shell in the sandcastle and color it correctly. The second page reinforces learning as students independently complete the color sentences for numbers 1–20.

Follow the Code – Write the Numeral. Students follow a simple color code to identify how many shells are in each sandcastle. After coloring the shells according to the instructions, students write the correct numeral beside each castle.

Match the Number Words. Students look at the number words in the center of the page and match each one to the correct numeral around the sandcastle border. They draw a line from each word to its corresponding number.

Numeral–Word–Quantity Matching Cards. Students use three types of cards: the numeral, the number word, and the sandcastle with the matching quantity of shells. They cut out the cards and work at the table to match the three pieces that belong together.

Students can work individually, with a partner, or in small groups to complete each matching set. Great for centers, early finishers, and hands-on number practice!

Spin and Cover worksheet. Students use the spinners to generate a random number, then look for the matching sandcastle on their worksheet. They cover the correct sandcastle with a counter, token, or small manipulative or color. Players continue spinning and covering until all the sandcastles are matched.

Beach Number Board Game.  Students roll the dice, move their game piece along the colorful path, and identify each number they land on. Perfect for math centers, small-group rotations, or partner games.

Number Word Building. Students use the letter tiles to complete number words. They look at each card, identify the missing beginning letter, and place the correct tile to spell the number correctly. This activity helps learners number vocabulary in a hands-on way!

Shell Number Match. Students choose a numbered shell and place it on top of the matching number word in the sandcastle. They continue selecting shells until the entire castle is covered. This hands-on activity helps learners connect numerals with number words.

Check the blog post of  the low-prep small cards for your “Beach” unit — perfect for games, grammar drills, writing prompts, or fast finishers, all in the full beach resource.  These Beach Unit Small Cards make it easy to bring beach vocabulary to life in elementary ELL classes — and save you time prepping. Go here:   https://eflelementaryresources.blogspot.com/2025/04/beach-unit-small-cards.html

Visit my blog for preschool teachers here: EFL Preschool Teachers Blog. You'll find practical activities, tips, and resources designed to make learning fun and effective for little ones!