Hasbro Play-Doh Shape & Learn Numbers and Counting

(Hasbro $12.99)

Designed as a parent-child project, this is a hands-on way to use Play-Doh for beginning number concepts. The set comes with three small cans of play-doh and double sided play mats and cards. There are eight sea- animal stampers with stout handles for little hands to grasp. To explore number concepts, numerals and one-to one counting, there is a handy guide for parents that will help make these little lessons instructive as well as playful. Young children are still sensory learners, so shaping the dough into numerals, stamping out three red fish to match the numeral 3, builds the concept in a way that is more meaningful to young learners. Also, Play- Doh Colors and Shapes is a similar kit with 8 cups of colorful play-doh, a roller, and shape cutters. A hands-on way make shapes as they learn to know and name. There are pattern sheets as well as simple matching sheets to put their cut-outs onto. Both sets are marked for 2 and up, we’d say they are more appropriate for older 2s and 3s.