Help the Caterpillar Grow! A Fun Number Sequence Game

Oh no! Our friendly caterpillar is trying to grow, but some of its body segments are missing! It's your job to help by finding the right numbers to complete the sequence.

Look closely at the numbers on the caterpillar's body. Are they counting forwards or backwards? Click on a number from the pool at the bottom, then click on a blank space on the caterpillar to fill it in. When you complete the sequence, the caterpillar will be whole again!

Why is This Game Great for Learning?

"Caterpillar Count-On" is a brilliant way to build a strong foundation in number sense and sequencing. It's designed to help children:

  • Master Number Sequences: The game provides practice with sequences that count both forwards and backwards from different starting points.
  • Develop Counting On and Back Skills: Instead of always starting from one, children learn to count on or back from any given number, a crucial skill for mental maths.
  • Improve Number Recognition: The interactive format helps children quickly recognise numbers and their order.
  • Build Logical Thinking: Players must first identify the pattern (counting up or down) before they can solve the puzzle, encouraging them to think like a mathematician.

For Teachers and Parents: Meeting Key Stage 1 National Curriculum Objectives

This game is perfectly aligned with the UK's National Curriculum for maths and is an excellent resource for children in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2).

  • Year 1 Maths: The curriculum requires pupils to "count to and across 100, forwards and backwards, beginning with 0 or 1, or from any given number" and "given a number, identify one more and one less."
    • How this game helps: "Caterpillar Count-On" provides direct, interactive practice of this core objective, challenging children to find the next number in a sequence from various starting points.
  • Year 2 Maths: Pupils must learn to "count in steps of 2, 3, and 5 from 0, and in tens from any number, forward and backward."
    • How this game helps: While the game currently focuses on steps of one, it builds the fundamental understanding of forward and backward sequences that is essential for learning to count in different steps.

How to Use This Game

For Teachers:

  • Interactive Whiteboard Starter: Use the game as a fun, whole-class warm-up. Ask children to predict the missing numbers before revealing the options.
  • Tablet Station: Set it up as an activity for children to complete independently during a maths lesson to reinforce their understanding of number sequences.
  • Targeted Support: It's a great tool for children who need a little extra practice with counting backwards or crossing decade numbers (e.g., 29, 30, 31).

For Parents:

  • Engaging Homework: A fun, five-minute game that makes practising counting feel like playtime.
  • Talk About the Pattern: Before your child chooses a number, ask them, "Are the numbers getting bigger or smaller? What do you think will come next?" This helps them verbalise their reasoning.
  • Extend the Learning: After playing, try creating your own caterpillar sequences on a piece of paper with different missing numbers to solve together!