Description

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to teach young kids about numbers? Playdough number mats might be the perfect solution for you! Here’s how to purchase our number playdough mats, how to use them, and why we love educational activities like this.

Playdough number mats

Playdough number mats are educational tools designed to introduce children to numbers and basic math concepts. In our version of this math activity, there is a large numeral in the center with tracing lines, the number word, and a space to create playdough shapes corresponding to the number. Children can also create playdough numbers and count with playdough dots in the top number line (much like they would with a tens frame).

How to use playdough number mats

Using playdough number mats is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make play dough number mats and use them effectively:

1. Prepare the materials
   • You will need the printable alphabet letter templates, playdough, scissors, a laminator, and laminating sheets. If you don’t have a laminator you can also use a page protector. If the kiddos are going to practice writing the numbers, have dry erase markers available too.
2. Introduce the number
   • Start by showing the number on the mat to the child. Encourage them to identify the numeral and the number word. Discuss the value of the number and its significance in counting and mathematics.
3. Shape the number
   • Demonstrate how to shape the number using playdough. Show the child the proper formation of the numeral, emphasizing any distinctive features. Encourage them to imitate your actions and create their own representation of the number.
4. Count and decorate
   • Guide the child to count the corresponding number of playdough balls or objects. Let them place the playdough on the designated area of the mat, arranging and decorating it as they desire. This step reinforces counting skills and allows for creative expression.

The benefits of using playdough number mats

Using playdough number mats provides numerous benefits for children’s learning and development. Here are some of the advantages:

1. Developing fine motor skills

Manipulating playdough to form numbers helps children enhance their fine motor skills. Rolling, pinching, and shaping the play dough requires hand-eye coordination, finger strength, and dexterity, which are essential for tasks such as writing and drawing.

2. Reinforcing number recognition

By repeatedly seeing and working with numbers on playdough mats, children develop number recognition skills. The visual representation of numerals and number words helps reinforce their understanding of quantity and numerical symbols.

3. Practicing counting skills

Playdough number mats offer an opportunity for children to practice counting. As they shape and count the playdough balls or objects that correspond to the given number, they reinforce their counting abilities and learn one-to-one correspondence.

4. Enhancing number formation

Forming numbers with playdough encourages children to play and practice number formation. The tactile nature of playdough allows them to explore the curves and lines needed to create each numeral, promoting muscle memory and proper writing techniques.

5. Stimulating creativity and imagination

Playdough is a versatile material that sparks creativity and imagination. By combining playdough with number mats, children can explore different colors, textures, and designs, fostering their artistic expression while learning about numbers.

Playdough activities on these printable mats

Whether you are using these at home or putting them into your math center, they are so much fun for little learners!

Here are the activities you can do on these play dough mats:

1. Tracing numbers

Each number mat has tracing lines that teach your kiddo how to write the numeral. Before getting out your favorite playdough recipe, invite them to write the number using a dry erase marker. For added practice, they could trace the number into kinetic sand too, further working their fine motor muscles as they practice forming numbers.

For kiddos that enjoy tracing, I encourage “rainbow writing,” which is there they can trace the number multiple times using different colors.

2. Number line

These sheets do not have a ten frame, but they have a blank number line on the top in place. Ten frames are rectangular grids with spaces for ten objects, allowing children to visualize numbers up to ten.

Encourage the children to fill the squares with playdough balls or other small objects as they work with the corresponding playdough number mats to help practice counting.