Kids love playing with pom poms. We paint with them, use them for sensory bin filler, and play often, because the texture and bright colors are so engaging. If you need a quick activity to help little ones practice counting and combining sets, this pom pom addition activity is perfect.
Start by gathering some pom poms and two cups.
Have kids place the cups over the pom poms and slowly drag the cups away from the pile until they have an empty spot to lift the cups.
Lift the cups and then count the pom poms from each cup using one to one correspondence. Stop to discuss which cup had more and which cup had less.
Then combine the two sets so to make a new group. Count how many pom poms are in all.
This is a very concrete way for kids to learn begin addition and visually see what happens when we take two different sets and combine them to make a new set. For more hands-on ways to teach addition and subtraction facts check out this article.
Hands-on Play with ABCs and 123s
If you’re looking for more hands-on ways to practice the alphabet and beginning math skills with kids, check out our co-authored book ABCs and 123s. Inside you’ll find over 40 kid-tested learning activities that teach beginning literacy and math in a playful way.
Learn more about ABCs and 123s
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Emily @ Kids Toys Go
Yes, The kids really love playing Pom Pom. My child is the same. Just learned how to paint them from you. Really fun!
Shaunna Evans
Oh that’s terrific! Painting with pom poms is still one of our go-to activities.