Dough Balls

Roll, count, squash! Today's project needs just one thing, and you probably have it already. Your little one rolls six dough balls, counts them and then squashes them flat one at a time. It's simple, a little silly and great for strong hands.

What you need

• Playdough

• A tray, placemat or sheet of wax paper to work on

• Optional: an index card with a big 6 written on it

• Optional: toy farm animals to "feed"

How to do it

1. Roll one together. Show your child how to roll a small piece between two palms, or on the table under one hand.

2. Roll six. Make six balls and line them up in a row.

3. Count them. Touch each ball as you count: "One, two, three, four, five, six!"

4. Squash and count. Squash one flat with a finger or a fist. "One squashed! How many are left?"

5. Play it again. This time the balls are eggs for the hen, apples for the horse or hay bales for the cow.

Why we love it

Rolling and squashing build the hand strength kids need for crayons, scissors and buttons. Touching each ball as they count teaches one number for one thing, and squashing them one at a time is a first peek at taking away.

Tips from our table

• Two-year-olds can roll three balls with you. Wobbly shapes count!

• Ready for more? Try, "Roll six, squash two. How many are left?"

• The dough isn't food. Stay close with little ones who still taste everything.

• Store it in a sealed bag or container so it stays soft.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Play-Doh 10-pack

• Kids art trays

• Wax paper

• Oxford index cards

• Jumbo farm animals

• Crayola jumbo crayons

• Shop everything for Week 6: Farm

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Farm activities, Letter F activities and Number 6 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.