Counting Cake 10 Frame Playdough Activity

Young children benefit from counting activities that allow them to see and feel numbers rather than just memorizing them.

printed and fanned out pages of 10 frame Strawberry Cake themed playdough mats with numbers 1-10 — photo credit: The Art Kit Blog

Using simple tools like ten frames can help build a strong foundation in counting, number recognition, and early math concepts while keeping kids interested and excited to learn.

This printable set includes ten frames for numbers one through ten with a fun strawberry cake theme. Children can use playdough, dry-erase markers, or small counters to fill in the frames, making it easy to visualize numbers in a structured way. By manipulating objects and placing them in the ten frames, kids can practice counting, learn to recognize number patterns, and even explore simple addition and subtraction.

There are many ways to build on these activities. Pairing the ten frames with a counting song or a simple game can reinforce number sense while keeping children engaged. Reading books about numbers and patterns can also help them connect what they see on the ten frames to real-world math. Another great way to practice is by using household objects like buttons, beads, or cereal pieces to fill the frames, adding variety to the learning process.

Using visual math tools helps children develop confidence in their counting skills and provides a strong foundation for more advanced concepts later on. By turning early math into an interactive experience, kids are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward numbers and problem-solving.

Whether used with playdough, markers, or small objects, this activity is a fun and simple way to introduce important math skills in a way that feels more like play than work.