Free Printable Playdough Number Mats 1–10

Make maths fun with free playdough number mats for numbers 1 to 10 – perfect for nursery and early years learning.

Published

September 2025

Key takeaways

Every child learns in their own way, and combining maths with hands-on play makes learning numbers far more enjoyable.
You don’t need costly resources – simple playdough number mats are a brilliant way to help children recognise numbers and practise counting.
Children of all ages love getting creative with playdough, so whether your little one is 3 or 6, these mats turn learning into a fun, engaging activity.

Table of contents

Learning maths doesn’t have to be boring, tricky, or expensive! If you’re unsure where to start, or want to make learning a bit more hands-on, try using playdough number mats.

We’ve put together some of the best FREE playdough number mats for children in nursery and early years. Read on to discover teacher-approved ideas, simple tips, and downloadable mats to make learning numbers fun and easy.

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How to Use Your 10-Frame Playdough Number Mats

Before you start, it’s a good idea to laminate your mats or cover them with clear tape. This keeps them clean, reusable, and allows for much easier cleanup.

These 10-frame playdough mats are such a fun, hands-on way to help kiddos to practise counting, recognise numbers, and build early maths skills. Here’s how to use them.

1. Start with the Number

Pick a mat and show your child the number. Say it aloud and ask them to repeat it. For example, if you are starting with number 4, point to the number and the word. This helps your child see the number symbol, hear the word, and start connecting them together.

2. Fill the 10-Frame

Roll small pieces of playdough into little balls. Ask your child to place the correct number of balls into the 10-frame. Count each one together as you go.

3. Form the Number

Next, have your child shape the playdough into the large number on the mat. Rolling it into a rope first can make it easier, but feel free to get creative and have fun with it!

4: Have Fun with It!

Once your child is confident with the number, you can make the activity a little more challenging. Try simple addition or subtraction using the ten-frame, let them choose the colours of their playdough, or add little shapes like stars or hearts. If the mats are laminated, they can even trace the numbers and number words with a dry-erase marker. Most importantly, keep it relaxed and playful. Roll, squish, count and explore together!

1-10 Play dough number mats

Playdough number mats are a fun and hands-on way to introduce early maths and help young children learn the basics. Print and download these 10 FREE play dough number mats and let the fun learning begin!