✨ Readers' twist
Planned as an after-dinner activity
A parent of a son about to turn three plans to try it and suggests it as an after-dinner activity.
“This would be a great after dinner activity.”
The story behind it
By TurkeyMom · September 2012
Ages2–5 yrs
Prep10 min
Activity15 min
Leveleasy
MessLow
Works for1:1 · Small group · Class
Stand foam numbers 1-5 behind flattened playdough discs, then have kids count out marbles and press them into each disc to match the number. Toddlers practice naming numbers and beginning to count; preschoolers count and match.
⚠️ Safety first
- Marbles and glass gems are a choking hazard. Supervise closely, especially with toddlers and children who still mouth objects.
- Count the marbles back in at the end so none are left on the floor.
- Playdough is not food. Most playdough, homemade or store-bought, contains wheat flour.
Steps
Roll five balls of playdough and flatten them into discs.
Line the discs up in a row on the floor or table.
Stand the foam numbers 1 to 5 upright in small lumps of playdough, one behind each disc.
Put the marbles in a small jar or bowl next to the row.
Point to each number and say its name together.
Count out marbles to match the number and press them into that disc.
Check each disc by counting its marbles again.
Tips
- For a toddler, the goal is to identify numbers and begin counting.from the author
- For a preschooler, the goal is to count the marbles and match them correctly to the number.from the author
- A reader planned it as an easy after-dinner activity for her almost-three-year-old.from readers
Make it your own
- Toddler level: name the numbers and begin counting marbles together.
- Preschooler level: count the marbles independently and match the right amount to each number.
What readers say
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Tamara · Sep 2012
This is a great idea ! I look forward to doing this with my son, he will be three one thursday! This would be a great after dinner activity. Thanks for sharing.