Ladybug Spots Counting Activity Printable: A Fun Way to Learn Numbers!
Kids light up when they spot a tiny insect — the bright red shell, the neat black spots, the tiny legs. That awe is a brilliant gateway to early math. This Ladybug Spot Counting Activity uses dot stickers (or black paper cutouts) to teach one-to-one correspondence, number recognition, and fine motor skills — while keeping play fully in charge.
And guess what? I’ve got a free printable ready for you to download and print. A free printable makes it more simple: print, prep, and play. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
- Ladybug spots counting printable
- Dot stickers (black preferred) or black paper circle cutouts (see size below).
- Glue (white glue or glue stick) — only needed if using paper cutouts.
- Scissors (for cutting paper dots, optional).
- Optional: laminator and dry-erase marker (for reusable sheets).
Dot size suggestion: 10 mm diameter works well for preschoolers.
How to play Ladybug Spots Counting Activity
Step 1: Download & Print
Download the Ladybug Spots Counting Activity printable and print it on the sheet of paper.
Step 2: Preparing The Dots
- For Sticker dots: Buy black dot stickers. You can just peel off dot stickers and stick it.
- For Black Paint Dots:
Dip a cotton bud, fingertip, or pencil end in black paint and press on the ladybug’s back to make spots. Let dry. - For Dot Cutouts: Cut circles from black paper and keep them in a small tray or bag. Label the tray if working with groups.
- For Marker Dots: Use dry-erase markers to draw spots. If you want to reuse, laminate the sheet after printing.
Step 3: Model the First Few Dots
Stick/ Mark few dots on the sheet as examples, before starting the activity.
Step 4: Show the numbers
Point to the number beside the first ladybug and read it aloud.
Step 5: Start Counting
Before starting, make sure your child is familiar with the numbers on the sheet. You can count together, point to the numbers, and say them out loud. Show the printable and say, “Look — ladybugs need their spots! Can you help them?”.
Step 6: Add Ladybug Spots
Ladybug Spots with Dot Sticker
Place the dots. Point to the number beneath a ladybug and ask your child to stick the corresponding number of black dots on the ladybug’s back. For example, if the number is 3, they’ll stick 3 dots.
Ladybug Spots with Black Paint
Ask the child to count aloud while making a dot on the ladybug’s back: “One… two… three…”
Use scaffolding language: “How many do you need?” → if stuck, count with them.
Step 7: Praise The Effort
Count the spots with the child to confirm the total matches the number. Praise the child’s effort: “Great counting — you helped the ladybug!”
Observe & note: Use a simple checklist — Can count 1–5? Matches number to quantity? Needs help? — to plan next lessons from 1 to 10
Step 8: Repeat or extend
Move on to the next ladybug or add variations (see extensions below).
Download Your Free Printable!
Ready to get started? Click here to download your FREE Ladybug Spots Counting Printable!
Ladybug Counting Worksheets Bundle – Free Download
If your child loves insects — especially ladybugs — grab our Ladybug Counting Printable Bundle: 5 black-and-white worksheets (matching, circle the number, number bonds to 10, count & write, draw-the-spots) plus this hands-on dot-sticker activity sheet. Free download — print & play!
How to Use Ladybug Spots Counting Activity For Learning Addition & Subtraction
- Addition: Draw a line to divide ladybug into two and ask kids to show number bonds to 10 (e.g., 4 spots on one side + 6 spots on another).
- Subtraction: Ask “If this ladybug has 7 spots and we take away 3, how many left?” . Through this, kids can learn simple subtraction.
You Might Also Like: Peg the legs: spider counting activity
Learning outcomes (what kids practice)
- Number Recognition: Seeing the numeral and matching quantity
- Counting Skills: They’ll practice counting objects (dots) one by one.
- Fine Motor Skills: peeling, placing stickers, gluing, marking those dots is great for little fingers!
- One-to-one correspondence: Matching one object to one number.
Similar Counting Activities to Try Out
If your child enjoys this activity, here are a few more fun counting ideas:
Checkout: Counting Activity Archive
Let’s build a strong foundation in math with fun and interactive activities all along and make a better learning experience for kids.
Don’t forget to share your little one’s ladybug creations with me in the comments or on social media. I’d love to see their adorable masterpieces!
Happy counting!