Pancake Number Match – Lesson plans

There is no better activity than one where you can combine plain old fun with learning. This homemade game from Coffee Cups and Crayons does exactly that. To make this game, all you need is 2o circles made out of heavy paper and a pen to write on the circles. You will also need to find a spatula – either toy or real – that can be used once you are ready to play the game.

Learn how to make and then play this game by visiting this tutorial: Pancake Number Match

Here are a few more lesson plan ideas using the Pancake Number Match activity in a play-based learning setting:

1. Pancake Stack Counting Challenge

Objective: Develop number recognition, counting, and fine motor skills.
Materials: Pancake number cards, small plates, spatula, play money (optional).
Activity:

• Lay out the pancakes and have kids “cook” them in order from 1-10.
• Challenge them to stack pancakes on a plate based on a given number.
• Optional: Add play money so they “buy” the correct number of pancakes.

2. Pancake Addition Café

Objective: Practice simple addition and counting skills.
Materials: Pancake number cards, order slips (index cards), pretend play café setup.
Activity:

• Kids take turns being a chef and customer.
• The customer picks an order slip (e.g., “I want 3 + 2 pancakes”).
• The chef has to find the correct pancake numbers to serve.

3. Pancake Number Hop

Objective: Enhance number recognition and gross motor skills.
Materials: Large printed pancake numbers, floor space.
Activity:

• Spread out the pancake numbers on the floor.
• Call out a number, and kids hop to the correct pancake.
• Variation: Call out number sequences (e.g., 1, 3, 5) for them to follow.

4. Flip & Find: Odd vs. Even Pancakes

Objective: Introduce odd and even numbers.
Materials: Pancake number cards, spatula.
Activity:

• Lay the pancakes number-side down.
• Kids take turns flipping one over and sorting it into “odd” and “even” stacks.
• Discuss patterns in odd/even numbers.

5. Pancake Recipe Fractions (for older kids)

Objective: Introduce simple fractions using a fun pretend play scenario.
Materials: Paper pancakes labeled with ½, ⅓, ¼, etc., mixing bowls, measuring cups.
Activity:

• Give kids a “recipe” (e.g., “We need ½ a pancake and ¼ of another”).
• Have them “cut” pancakes into the correct fractions.

Build a Flower Number Match

Bee Theme Number Matching Game

Halloween Shadow Match Game for Preschoolers