6 Fun Ways To Encourage Learning With The Play Doh Shape and Learn Numbers and Counting kit
As a foundation phase teacher, I know how important playing with Play Doh is when it comes to the development of some crucial skills such as their fine motor, sensory motor, language and socialization skills. You can just imagine my excitement when one of Play Doh’s shape and learn kits arrived at our doorstep! This kit really exceeded my expectations in every way possible! A loves numbers and counting and this kit made doing maths so much fun that A just did not want to stop!
First of all this kit includes everything you need to not only develop all of the abovementioned skills, but also to teach your little one the comparing and contrasting of numbers, number recognition and encourages counting. Each kit includes:
- 10 equatic themed counting cards
- 10 equatic themed stamps
- 2 Play Doh mats
- 3 colorful cans of Play Doh
- And a fun guide for mom/dad/nanny
We jumped right in and found so many different ways to encourage learning through play with this kit and we are here to share them with you:
1 Pick a number card game:
You will need the plain white mat for this activity, the number cards, Play doh in different colors and your stamps.
- Shuffle the cards up and then place them in a pile on the little square.
- Let your child draw a card and discuss the number, colors and the sea animal on it.
- Now let your little one pick the right color of clay, roll a ball and stamp out the correct number as they count up to that number.
Once they are done, place the card at the bottom of the pile and let them draw a new one. Mom/dad can join in and take turns as you count together.
2. More or less game
For this activity you will need the more or less mat, stamps and play doh colors.
- Place the cards on the table in a pile again, next to your more or less mat.
- Now mom/dad pulls a card and then your little one pulls a card.
- Count the animals on each card or ask your little one which number it is.
- Ask your little one who has the card with the most/least animals on and let him/her place the card on the more side or on the less side.
- Now let your little one stamp out the amount on each card whilst he/she is counting them out.
- Your little one can also tell you whether the sea creature can live on the beach or only in water or both.
Alternatively:
- Pull a card and count the creatures. Let your little one stamp out the correct amount before pulling another card from the pile.
- Then pull another card and once again stamp out the correct number.
- Then ask your little one which card had the most and which had the least amount on.
3. Place the cards in the correct order
For this activity you will only need the number cards and number line play mat.
- Mix up the cards and give them to your little one.
- Now ask your child to place the cards in the correct order, starting with 1 all the way up to 10. If they are unsure, they can refer to the number line on the bottom of the mat.
- If you have an older child you can let them do it backwards and in 2’s as well.
- Mom/dad can also place the cards down and leave out a few in between, for example 1,2__, 4,5____,7,8,9 _____ and then ask their child to place the remaining cards in the right spot.
4. Number balls
For this activity you will need the number cards and Play Doh in different colors.
- Once again stack the cards in a pile on the table.
- Let your child draw a card.
- Now let your child roll small little balls (fine motor skills) and place them on the animals as he/she counts.
5. Create the number
For this activity you will need the number line mat, play doh and your number cards.
- Let your child draw a card from the pile.
- Then let him/her count the sea creatures and use the clay to shape the number him/herself.
- If your little one is still too small, then mom/dad can shape the numbers and your little one can use his/ her finger to follow it.
6. Counting with Play Doh
For this activity you will need the white Play Doh mat, Play Doh. And your number cards.
- Take 2 cards and let your child add them together.
- Then let your child use the play doh to shape the answer.
- You can repeat this activity using addition, subtraction and even to practice multiplication.
I know that a lot of our children has been back to school for around a month now, but I also know that many schools still have groups that go to school every second day or even every second week. These are fun ways to make learning just a little more fun and exciting for those in-between days at home. It is also perfect for little ones that are currently homeschooling. I have only mentioned 6 ways in which you can use this very awesome kit, but there are many more.
Cans of Kindness Award!
Teachers are incredible (and Im not just saying that because I’m one myself). All teachers truly inspire, encourage and motivate all year long. I look at A’s teacher in total Awe and wonder and I’m so grateful for all the effort and love that she sows into my child’s life every day. NOW YOU have the opportunity to show your appreciation! Your child can nominate his/her teacher for the CANS OF KINDNESS AWARD!
It’s super easy:
- Simply post a video to Facebook @PlayDohSouthAfrica of your child telling them about their incredible teacher!
- Remember to use the Hashtag #CansOfKindnessAward
It really is as easy as that!
The winning teacher will receive a year’s supply of Play-Doh for the classroom AND THE WINNING ENTRANT will receive an excting Play Doh Hamper! But HURRY UP, entries close 26 FEBRUARY 2021!!
