Ingredients:

• Paper Plates (undecorated)
• Crayons, markers, watercolor paints
• Craft items like googly eyes, feathers, pom poms
• Glue
• Food items: Single piece candy, cookies or fruits and vegetables like berries and carrots
• Dice

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Recipe for Playful Learning!

Your child doesn’t have to eat alone – ask to bring a “friend” along to count with and play and learn together!

STEP 1: Ask your child “who” will be eating with them (i.e., farm animal, favorite pet, imaginary friend etc.)

STEP 2: Have your child decorate the paper plate using the coloring items and craft materials you’ve provided to create their eating buddy. Make sure to make a mouth! Depending on their age, help with the glue and make sure it’s all dry before putting any food on the plate.

STEP 3: Start the counting game by rolling the dice. If your child is old enough to recognize the numbers, have them count it out and place the amount of food onto the plate to match the number on the dice.

STEP 4: Roll the dice again and have your child remove the number of food pieces to match the number on the dice. Keep going until appetites are at their peak and enjoy the snack!

STEP 5: When you want to play again, create a different, new “friend” plate each time to add to the group!