Load the Trucks Play Dough Counting Mats

These Trucks Play Dough Counting Mats are a learning activity where kids

can have fun while they learn. They will practice counting and fine motor skills
while using these play dough mats. These will go great with a Transportation
Theme.

To prepare these mats, you just need to print them. You can laminate the
mats or slip them in clear page protectors. I always choose to put them in
page protectors and then I bind them together like a flip book using metal
binder rings. That keeps them neat on the table in the child’s area, so they
don’t spread them out all over the table.

Each mat says, “Load the truck with [#] stones.” Stones for the trucks will be
easy for your preschool kids to make with play dough. They will identify the
numeral on each page, and count out the correct number of “stones” to
place in the truck on the mat. Show them how to pinch off a piece of play
dough and roll it in their hands.

Many of you like to save ink. Here’s what to do: print what I refer to as

the “toddler” mat. You’ll only need to print it once, then either write the
numerals with a dry erase marker or place small number cards on the mat for
children to count.

The toddler mat can also be used with younger children who need fine motor
practice, but are not ready for counting. That mat says, “Load the truck with
stones.”

Alternatives to play dough: If you prefer to use something other than play
dough for counting practice, try these options:

 Use real pebbles that you’ve washed from outside

 Cut stones out of craft foam
 Use flat marbles (floral marbles)
 Draw the stones with dry erase markers