purposeful play
Pumpkin Playdough Math Game
hands-on math activity for kids
This DIY Pumpkin Playdough Math Game is an fun, pumpkin themed, hand-on counting activity way for kids.
Hands-on math activities for kids-especially those involving sensory play are a highly effective way for kids to learn important math skills! This fall math activity will do just that.
All you need to play this math game is orange playdough (see the simple, no-cook playdough recipe below) and the Free Pumpkin Ten Frame Printable Set-which you can download HERE!
purpose
Sensory play
Stress-free way to explore math concepts
Reinforces number recognition
Promotes one to one correspondence
Strengthens understanding of ten frames
Promotes number sense
Introduces beginning math operations
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directions
Pumpkin Playdough Math Game
In a medium sized bowl mix the following ingredients
Cornstarch (1/2 cup)
Lotion or hair conditioner (1/2 cup)
Orange food coloring
Continue mixing until the dough begins to stick together
Once it begins to stick together-start kneading the dough until it forms a soft ball and is no longer sticky
It it’s too sticky add a little more cornstarch
If it’s too dry add a little more lotion
Print and cut the Free Pumpkin Ten Frame Printable Set
Place playdough, ten frames and number circles on a tray
Set out the sentence card “How many pumpkins did you make?”
Set out a pumpkin ten frame
Invite your child to make “pumpkins” with the playdough
When finished-ask your child to count the pumpkins they have made
Next, invite them to find the corresponding number circle!
Remove the playdough pumpkins and pick a new card!
Keep playing as long as your child is engaged
When your child is ready-change the sentence to “How many more pumpkins do you need to make 10?”
Invite your child to make the amount of pumpkins needed to fill in the ten frame
Then, find the circle number that answers the question
Continue as long as your child is engaged and interested!
purposeful play
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