Free Printable Pirate Play Dough Mats for Numbers 1-10

I’ve been working with preschoolers for about 18 years now and one thing that’s never changed is the timeless love of Play Dough. The signature smell, the squishy texture, the pop of the top of the container… it never gets old. These FREE pirate Play Dough mats are a great way for children to work on fine motor skills, counting, identifying number words and practicing with a ten-frame. And pirates… that’s just an added bonus! Last one to follow the treasure map must walk the plank!

these free pirate play dough mats are amazing! they combine numbers, words, counting and ten-frames! so versatile.

these free printable pirate play dough mats for numbers 11-20 are great! there are so many ways to use them. plus, there is a link to the mats for numbers 1-10

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool

Kindergarten

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Pirate Counting Mats Materials

Printer/Ink
Laminating Supplies
Gold Rocks/Manipulatives
Play Dough

a pirate sensory bin made with dyed chickpeas and pirate theme accessories.

Using the Pirate Number Mats (1-10)

Number mats are a great way to get kiddos engaged with counting, one-to-one correspondence, and other math concepts. The Pirate Number Play Dough Mats can help you teach and practice basic number identification and formation all while having a jolly ‘Rodger’ good time! If your little ‘swash bucklers’ still have an interest in pirates, hop on over to the Pirate Unit Study for more awesome ideas.

More Pirate Themed Activities You’ll Love:

Benefits of using the Pirate Number Mats:

While the Pirate Play Dough Number Mats focuses on well… numbers, there are many other benefits that children will acquire from this hands-on activity. It can help:

Fine motor skills- rolling Play Dough, picking up manipulatives, and tracing can help build skills like tying shoes, writing, and brushing teeth.
Reading/Phonics- children can use reading skills to identify the number word and the sounds each letter makes.
Problem solving- kids can brainstorm with more and less as well as addition and subtraction. What should we do if we put too many rocks on the mats? We have 5 rocks, but need to get to 8. How can we do that?

These number mats can be used as a small group activity, in a math center, during indoor recess, or after finishing an assignment.

Materials You Will Need for the Pirate Number Mats:

Paper or cardstock
Printer
Laminating materials
Gold rocks or other counters
Play Dough

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Pirate Number Mats:

Step One:

First you need to figure out which format works best for you and your kiddos. You can download the mats using Google Slides and/or print out the pdf version.

Other options include if you want the English or Spanish version. Plus choose between color copies or black and white.

Step Two:

After you have either downloaded or printed out your activity, it is then time to gather your materials. Play dough and gold rocks (or other manipulatives) are materials that are also needed for the number mats.

A helpful tip to save paper and time is to laminate the mats before using and carefully store them when children are done using.

Step Three:

Explain and model for children how to use the number mats. All parts of the mats can be used or one or two at a time. The versatility and options are up to you and what you are focusing on with your kiddo.

Show them how to roll the play dough to make the numeral.
Model how to use the ten-frames with the rocks or manipulatives.
Read the number words.

Looking for Ways to Best Fit Your Child’s Needs?

Has your child already mastered the art of counting? Try using the ten frames for simple addition and subtraction problems. You can even make up fun story problems such as: Captain Jack found a treasure chest with 3 coins. He added them to the 2 coins he already had. How many coins does Captain Jack have all together?
Does your child have a hatred for Play Dough? Ditch the dough and have them use a dry erase marker instead. They are still using their fine motor skills and also practicing making lines and curves in the numbers.
I don’t know if your kids love snacks, but mine live by them. Try substituting the rocks for a healthy snack like Pirates Booty or raisins.
Does technology work better for your students? Try using the activity with Google Slides on a smart board or computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions? Please send us a comment and we will be happy to help. Below are a few questions some may have about making or using the number mats.

How Does Play Dough Benefit Children?

Squishing, molding, flattening, and rolling Play Dough helps children build muscles in their fingers and hands. This is great practice for other skills they will need in the future like tying shoes and cutting up food.

How High Should My Preschooler Be Able To Count?

All children are different and learn in different ways. While some preschoolers can count up to 20; others may still be working on counting to 5. Continue to work with your little learner on different math activities for counting.

What Other Ways Can I Work With My Child On Counting?

Good news is that there are SO MANY ways to practice counting with your kids. Counting songs (5 Little Ducks), books (10 Black Dots by Donald Crews), and counting games are a great way to get your child excited about counting. Also don’t forget to use real life examples as a tool. Counting the number of bananas on a bunch, cracks in a sidewalk, and shoes in the closet show children that math is everywhere!

Beach Themed Learning Activities

After completing the Pirate Play Dough Number Mats, check out our Beach Themed Learning Activities. Grab it below to continue having fun under the sun!