I had to create a set of Pumpkin Missing Number Addition Puzzles for Jael this week. Remember those Apple Missing Number activities I shared last in order to help Jael with her math? They were a hit!!!
The puzzles and the cut-and-paste sheets definitely helped to cement those pre-algebra-looking questions in Math U See. (Okay so she isn’t learning algebra but it looks algebraic?)
Anyhoo, since they were a hit I made another set and added a few extra pages. I think this is an activity I need to adapt to all her revision activities.
Oh and don’t forget to check out our other fall activities!

Like I said before, we are currently using Math U See, and solving equations were all chapter 8 was about and it scared me. I got a little worried.
Will my little one be able to handle it? How do I help her get through this sure she could handle it or how I would go about teaching it? Would it take forever and how would I balance doing that while teaching Caleb his kindergarten work?
Luckily, it all worked out well the missing number addition concept worked out.
Pumpkin Books to Checkout (Use with the Pumpkin Missing Number Addition Cards)
Please note that affiliate links are used below for your convenience.
Pete the Cat: Five Little PumpkinsThe Pumpkin Book
Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie (Picture the Seasons)
Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden
Pumpkin Pumpkin
From Seed to Pumpkin (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)
The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin
Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan
How To Recreate the Pumpkin Number Addition Puzzles
In order to teach your kids to solve for the missing number in the equation, you will need a few things besides the pumpkin pack at the end of the post.
144 ~ Halloween Pumpkin Jack-o-lantern Mini Erasers ~ Approx. 3/4Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, Clear, Washable, 4 Pack, 0.24-ounce sticks
Scotch 2 Roller System, Fast Warm-up, Quick Laminating Thermal Laminator (TL901C-T )
Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 8.9 x 11.4-Inches, 3 mil thick, 200-Pack (TP3854-200),Clear
Fiskars 12 Inch Recycled SureCut Trimmer (01-005454)
Set 1: Pumpkin Missing Number Addition Puzzles
Once I printed, laminated, and cut the puzzles, I placed them in front of Jael. I also removed all the apple counters from our fruit counters set and placed them in a basket for her to use.
The next step was to remove all the apple counters from our fruit counters set and placed them in a basket for her to use. The aim of this activity was for her to match the apple half equations with their correct answer.
Quick Tip:
If you want to make these pumpkin puzzles self-correcting, simply stick a sticky note with the complete equation on the back of the correct apple half. I am sure there are other elaborate ways to do this but this was our simple solution and it worked.
Set 2: Pumpkin Missing Number Addition Cut and Paste Sheets
Quick background story: Jael recently saw that her brother’s kindergarten Math activity involved him gluing his answers. Naturally, she wanted to do the same and so I create these for her.

First, print the sheets and then either cut the answers from the side off or have your student do that if they are able to do so safely.
Second, demonstrate the activity. Read an equation and then look for the apple with the correct answer. Place it (or glue it if your kids allow you to touch the precious glue stick) in the answer box.
Third, let them complete the rest of the missing number addition sheets.

If you are looking for a few more counting ideas, try some of these Math games for Toddlers from Rainy Day Mum!
Kathy
Thursday 20th of October 2022
A creative way to add visual interest in learning. Thanks!