Teacher Akma
Hands-On Learning: Shaping Numbers Using Playdough
Making numbers with playdough is a simple yet meaningful activity that supports multiple areas of learning for our students. While the main goal is to help them practice number recognition, this hands-on activity offers so much more.
As students roll, pinch, and shape the playdough to form numbers, they are also working on their motor planning skills — figuring out how to move and coordinate their hands to achieve the desired shape. At the same time, it strengthens their fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks like writing, buttoning, and using tools.
We also noticed that this activity challenges their patience and perseverance. Sometimes the numbers don’t turn out the way they imagined, and that can be frustrating for them. But we use these moments to acknowledge their effort and creativity, rather than focusing on perfection. Every attempt is a success in itself because it shows their willingness to try, adapt, and express ideas in their way.
This is what learning through play looks like — building skills, exploring creativity, and growing resilience, all in one fun and engaging activity!
