Get ready for big fun with these adorable gingerbread number mats! Perfect for winter or holiday lessons, these printables help little learners build number sense, counting skills, and more. Each new interactive section of the mat helps guide kids through the learning process and keeps them engaged along the way.
Using The Gingerbread Number Mats
This activity is super low-prep. Each number mat prints on a full page, which means you only need to print, laminate, and cut. If you plan to reuse this activity, I don’t advise skipping the laminating (or write-and-wipe pockets). Uncoated paper will quickly succumb to the buildup from the playdough and/or wax sticks.
To use the mats, start by reading the number word aloud with your students as they point to the word. With time, they will start to commit the word to memory.
Next, invite your students to fill in the large number outline using playdough, wax sticks, or pom-poms. After building the number, your little learners will then identify the number from a group of three. This quick recognition activity helps build confidence in identifying numerals.
Moving on to the filled ten-frame, kids will count the cheerful little gingerbread cookies inside. Then, they’ll use their own counters to build a matching set. Gumdrops, pom-poms, and gingerbread mini-erasers are all cute options to use with this activity. For young preschoolers, you may want to skip the small counting pieces and opt for drawing dots with dry-erase markers instead—it’s safer but still effective!
Lastly, have your students finger-trace the number word at the bottom of the mat. This tactile step helps reinforce spelling and sight word memory in a fun, hands-on way.
Materials Needed To Use The Number Mats
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- Gingerbread number mats (download link at the bottom of the page)
- Playdough, wax sticks, or dry erase markers
- Counters (peppermint mini-erasers, pom-poms, buttons, or mini bows)
- Laminator or reusable dry-erase pockets (recommended)
Make It Work for All Learners
For kids with low or tight muscle tone, using small manipulatives may be nearly impossible. For these kiddos, allow them to use dot markers or bingo daubers to fill in the number outline and ten frame, instead of the tiny counters.
A more basic version of these mats is also available for students who may be overwhelmed by the number of tasks in this set. We also have simple number cards that are perfect for using with felt boards, especially for students answering via eye gaze.
More Ways to Use These Printable Playdough Mats
Create personal counting books for your kiddos by printing one set for each kiddo and binding them together. These will make a fantastic addition to your morning meeting routine to reinforce number recognition and counting skills. The books are also fabulous for sending home so parents can practice with their children.
Whether you’re serving them up in the classroom or at your kitchen table, these gingerbread number mats are sure to add a sprinkle of sweetness to your math routine. Happy holidays and happy counting!
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