Here are three easy games you can try using the Starfish, Lighthouse, and Sailboat mats:
1. Count the Spots – Starfish Game
This one is perfect for early counters and 1:1 correspondence practice!You’ll need:
- The Starfish play mat
- A die
- Small counters or buttons
- Roll the die
- Add that number of counters to the starfish's spots
- Encourage your child to say each number out loud as they place the counters — matching one word to one object (so important for strong counting foundations!)
2. Dice Drop – Lighthouse Game
A fast-paced sorting game that adds number comparison too!You’ll need:
- The Lighthouse play mat (with 4 windows!)
- 4 dice
- Roll all four dice and place one in each lighthouse window
- Now sort them from largest to smallest, going top to bottom down the lighthouse
- Try to beat the clock — how quickly can you get them in order?
3. Place Value Sails – Sailboat Game
A visual and hands-on way to build two-digit numbers with place value blocks!You’ll need:
- The Sailboat play mat
- A set of two-digit number cards (10–30)
- Place value blocks (tens and ones)
- Choose a number card and place it on the hull of the boat
- Use your place value blocks to build the number:
- Tens go on one sail
- Ones go on the other
These games are quick to prep and so much fun to play. Whether you're using them for small groups, warm-ups, or even at-home learning, the Math Kit play mats make it easy to create engaging mini-lessons in a snap!
- Grab the Summer Play Mats here:
- Summer Math Play Mats – Hands-On Counting, Addition, Number Sense
Happy playing and learning!