Playdough Maths
Activity Tray Ideas
By: Ailsa Gordon
This is a great open-ended maths activity for children using counting manipulatives, play dough
and a dice. The activity provides opportunities to practise counting, 1:1 correspondence, matching
amounts to numerals and simple addition and subtraction. This activity can be adapted to support
all ages and stages of mathematical development as well as being lots of fun!
For this open ended, child directed activity, present the tray of loose parts for counting and addition
to the children. Allow the children time to independently explore the different materials while
developing their mathematical skills.
Your trays could include any of the following and so much more - be creative and recycle items to
use!
Transparent counters
Coloured shape buttons
Shells
Pasta
Dried beans
Wooden beads
Plain wooden numerals
Pebbles
Coloured wooden matchsticks
Large dice
A large ball of play dough