Bring a spark of joy to your next math lesson with these whimsical playdough number mats in a cute turkey theme! These mats are designed to build essential early learning skills like counting, number identification, number words, and more. Whether you’re setting up a math station or planning a whole-group activity, these mats are bound to become a classroom favorite.
Using the Turkey Number Mats
This is a super low-prep printable with no cutting involved, if you use these awesome write-and-wipe pickets. Alternatively, you can laminate the cards, but the pockets are a more environmentally friendly option.
To begin playing, have your students listen as you say the number word aloud. Encourage them to repeat after you while pointing to the word on the mat.
After repeating the number name, kids can fill in the large number outline using playdough, wax sticks, pom-poms, or dry-erase markers (if laminated or in reusable pockets). Building the number in this type of tactile way really helps to boost learning.
Next, a set of three numbers is printed on each mat. Here, the student will identify the number that matches the card and tap it.
Then, they’ll count all the adorable turkeys in the ten-frame. These turkey mini-erasers are perfect to help you keep with the theme. But don’t be afraid to use whatever you have on hand. Pom-poms, buttons, and counters all work well. If they are prone to putting things in their mouths, you can even have them use dry-erase markers instead.
Finally, students will finger-trace the number word printed at the bottom of the page. This reinforces word recognition in a multi-sensory way.
What You’ll Need For The Turkey Number Mats
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- Printable number mats (download available at the bottom)
- Playdough, wax sticks, or dry-erase markers
- Pom-poms, counters, or themed mini-erasers
- Laminating pouches or reusable dry-erase sleeves (highly encouraged for this activity)
Differentiating the Activity
For kids who struggle with grasping tiny manipulatives, try using dot markers or bingo daubers for filling in the number outline and building the set.
If some of your students may need a simpler version of this activity, check out the basic number cards here. These are great for using with felt boards and work well for students using alternative communication methods like eye gaze.
More Ways To Use This Activity
Instead of putting these cards in the center, print a full set for each student and bind the pages together to create a personalized number book. A book is perfect for keeping students engaged during morning meeting or sending home for additional practice.
These turkey-themed number mats are living proof that math practice doesn’t have to be dull. Happy learning, y’all!
More Playdough Number Mats Your Kids Will Love
Turkey Activity
