Normally I am not the hugest fan of bugs (especially mosquitos!), but bug themed learning activities always go over well with my preschoolers! Kids are naturally curious when it comes to living things and nature, so exploring insects and using them to learn keeps learners engaged. Our free printable bug catcher counting & number play dough mats focus on numbers 1-20, number words, counting skills, and fine motor practice in just this one math activity! The great thing is that prepping it once will allow learning and fun to happen over and over again.

Bug Catcher Counting & Number Play Dough Mats

The bug catcher & counting number play dough mat set includes a bug catcher play dough mat, 20 bug cards, and 10 number word cards.

The bug cards have the numbers 1-20 on them. The number word cards include 1-10.

Prepping the printable activity takes no time! Print the play dough mat and number cards. Cut the number cards apart on the gray dotted lines. Laminate the set so that the play dough does not ruin the paper. You can also use plastic page protectors with the play dough.

Put all of the bug number cards or number word cards into a small basket. Pull one number at a time. Identify the number and start creating that many play dough bugs to put in the bug catcher.

So Many Ways to Play

There are many different ways to play with the bug catcher counting & number play dough mats! The bug number cards can be used to make the same number of bugs in the bug catcher. You can also make the numeral out of the play dough, or even spell out the number word by memory.

The same is true with the number words. Create the same number of bugs, roll out the numeral in play dough, or make the letters of the word on the bug catcher.

Activities that can be played in different ways also grow with the skill level of the child and seem like new activities each time they are played another way!

The great thing about making play dough bugs, is that there is no wrong way to make a bug out of play dough!

Play dough is one of my favorite things for preschoolers to work with. Along with all of the academic skills that play dough can be used to teach or practice, fine motor skills are strengthened.