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Combine math and fine motor skills for an engaging hands-on experience with this printable Elephant Math Mat. It’s a perfect addition to a circus theme for your preschool and kindergarten students. You could also add it to your zoo lesson plans.

Explore Counting and Simple Addition

The Circus Math Mat can be used to teach counting, and it can be used to teach simple addition.

If you want to explore counting with your student, use one dice. Student rolls the dice, counts the dots, and uses manipulatives to add the corresponding number of peanuts to the math mat.

If you want to teach simple addition, your student will need two dice. Student rolls the dice and adds then numbers and then student places the corresponding number of manipulatives to the math mat.

Benefits of Hands-on Learning

The Elephant Math Mat uses hands-on learning to teach counting and simple addition. As students roll the dice and add the manipulatives to the page, they are playing with math.

Hands-on learning is essential for preschool and kindergarten students.

  • It allows students to use their senses to explore new concepts.
  • It improves fine motor skills.
  • It allows young learners to make mistakes and problem solve.
  • It also engages multiple areas of their brains while creating new connections.

Your student can use a variety of manipulatives with this math mat. You can use real peanuts. I found some still in the shell at a local grocery store.

Additionally, you can use circus peanuts (found in the candy aisle) at the grocery store.

If you don’t have time to grab peanuts at the store, just use playdough by shaping it into peanut shapes.

How to Get Started with the Elephant Math Mat

This printable math mat is fun for kids, and it is easy to use.

  1. Print the Elephant Math Mat.
  2. Laminate the mat, or put it in a Dry Erase Sleeve or page protector.
  3. Gather dice and any manipulatives you need.
  4. Show your student how to use the math mat.

Download the Free Elephant Math Mat

Simply click on the image below to grab your printable math mat.

More Circus Themed Printables

If your preschool student enjoyed this circus themed math mat, try these other circus themed printables.

Silly Circus Printables
Circus Pattern Pages