Tally Mark Scavenger Hunt: Free Printable Game for Year 1
Tally Mark Scavenger Hunt is a free printable game for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1. Count things around the house and make tally marks. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This game includes a checklist to tick off.
A look at what children will meet:
- Count the chairs in one room
- Count the windows
- Count the doors
- Count the cushions
- Count the books on one shelf
- Count the lights
- Count the shoes by the door
- Count the cups in the kitchen
- Count the plants
- Count the beds in the house
- Count the clocks
- Count the pairs of socks you can see
Who this is for
Year 1 (ages 5 to 6) in Key Stage 1.
Key Stage 1 covers Years 1 and 2, ages 5 to 7. Children are building secure foundations in reading, writing and number, and short playful practice at home helps those foundations stick. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Counting
- Tally marks
- Comparing
Count objects, record with tally marks and compare totals.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Maths. Key stage: Key Stage 1. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Players: 1 to 4. Play time: 20 minutes. Each player needs a pencil and paper for tally marks.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Count together and tap each object. Draw each fifth tally as a line across four.
To stretch confident children
Ask: which thing had the most? Which had the least?
Make it a game
Make up your own count for the garden or a park.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Read the rules out loud together before you start, so everyone plays the same game.
- Take turns being the person who reads or checks. It builds listening as well as knowledge.
- Keep rounds short. Two quick games beat one long one.
A screen-free maths activity for Year 1
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free maths activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free maths resources for teachers
Teachers can use this game as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Maths ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free maths worksheets for Year 1, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | Maths | Number and place value | Year 1 |
What children will be able to do
- I can count objects.
- I can record with tally marks.
- I can compare totals.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How many did you count?
- How do tally marks help you count?
- Which total is bigger, and by how many?
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Conker Games | Same subject, one year down: Pattern Making ABC Shapes
Frequently asked questions
What age is Tally Mark Scavenger Hunt for?
It is written for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1.
What will children practise?
Count objects, record with tally marks and compare totals.
How do I use it?
Players: 1 to 4. Play time: 20 minutes. Each player needs a pencil and paper for tally marks.
What if it feels too hard?
Count together and tap each object. Draw each fifth tally as a line across four.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Tally Mark Scavenger Hunt suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Key Stage 1 | More maths printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources