How to incorporate early math and numeracy skills into mud kitchen play

Incorporating early math and numeracy skills into mud kitchen play is a fantastic way to engage children while they explore and have fun!

Here are some activity ideas that blend math concepts with mud kitchen play:

1. Counting Ingredients

We love these wooden number trays by LearnWell Education. We use them a lot, but how fab are they for counting mud kitchen ingredients?

• Activity: As children gather items for their “recipes” (e.g., leaves, twigs, stones), encourage them to count each item as they add it to their “mix.” You can also have them count how many scoops of mud or water they are using.

• Math Concept: Counting, one-to-one correspondence, number recognition.

For the next level up we use these: Wooden Maths Mastery Number Trays 10-20. Children will enjoy collecting and counting objects in these beautifully crafted beech wood trays. Ideal for exploring counting, number bonds and the mathematical language of more and less.

Supports the Maths mastery approach of exploring and demonstrating using objects, enriching learning, and deepening understanding.

We like to add numbers to our mud kitchen sink for the children to collect in a scoop or sieve! Number Hunt Soup! The Number Pebbles from Yellow Door are fab for this.

2. Measuring and Pouring

• Activity: Provide different-sized containers (cups, spoons, bowls) and ask children to measure out specific amounts of mud, water, or other materials. You can even give them a set of measuring cups to use.

• Math Concept: Measurement, volume, comparing quantities, more/less.

3. Sorting and Categorizing

• Activity: Ask the children to sort their ingredients (e.g., rocks, leaves, twigs, flowers) into groups by size, color, or type. These Eggs are perfect for this. You could even incorporate a “math station” where they organize by number of items in each category.

• Math Concept: Sorting, categorization, classification, pattern recognition.

4. Subitizing ingredients

We love this Part Part Whole Tray by LearnWell Education.

5. Simple Addition and Subtraction

• Activity: As children add different ingredients to their “recipes” (e.g., mud and water), ask them simple addition and subtraction questions. “If you have 2 scoops of mud and add 3 more, how many scoops do you have in total?”

• Math Concept: Addition, subtraction, basic operations.

6. Making Patterns

• Activity: As children work with different materials, encourage them to create patterns (e.g., leaf, rock, leaf, rock). You can make patterns using different natural materials like sticks, pebbles, or flowers.
  
• Math Concept: Pattern recognition, sequencing, repetition.

7. Balancing and Weight

• Activity: Use a balance scale (or create one from a plank and stick) and have children weigh different objects (e.g., stones, twigs, leaves) they find. Compare the weights and discuss which objects are heavier or lighter.
  
• Math Concept: Weight, balance, comparison.

8. Time Telling with Nature

• Activity: If there’s a natural way to track time (such as the sun moving or a clock), talk about how long activities take. Use a timer to measure how long it takes to make “mud pies” or complete a task, and ask them how much longer or shorter certain activities take.
  
• Math Concept: Time, sequencing, estimating duration.

9. Mud Kitchen “Menu” and Price Lists

• Activity: Set up a pretend “menu” where children use mud and natural materials as ingredients, and assign them “prices” (e.g., 1 scoop of mud = 1 coin). Have children “pay” for their ingredients, using pretend coins or stones.
  
• Math Concept: Counting money, addition, subtraction, budgeting.

10. Fraction Play

We love the natural fraction set from Cosy. They could be pieces of pizza or cake, watermelon… how much Pizza would you like? A quarter, or half a pizza?

You could also use cups or containers to demonstrate simple fractions. For example, “Let’s fill the cup halfway with mud” or “Can you fill this jar with one-quarter of the water?”

• Math Concept: Fractions, measurement, division.

By using these activities, children can explore math concepts in a natural, hands-on way while engaging with their surroundings. It encourages curiosity and understanding of math in everyday life, all while playing outdoors!

Some Maths resources that we love in our mud kitchen:

Don’t forget to follow me on my socials 🙂 and browse my new shop – Lottie’s Toy Emporium. Also my Amazon storefront Shop for anything else!