Fine Motor Resources

Looking for a way to combine fine motor skill development with early numeracy in your classroom? PomPom number recognition mats are the perfect solution. With just a set of tweezers, coloured pompoms, and printable number mats, your students can build number knowledge while strengthening the hand muscles they need for writing.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• What fine motor skills are
• Why fine motor development matters
• What number recognition looks like in early years
• Common challenges students face
• How to use pompom mats for numbers 0–30

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What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills are the small, controlled movements of the hands and fingers. These movements are essential for:

• Holding and using pencils correctly
• Cutting with scissors
• Managing buttons, zippers, and laces
• Forming letters and numbers
• Picking up and placing small objects

Building fine motor strength supports confidence and independence both in the classroom and at home.

Why Use PomPom Number Recognition Mats?

PomPom number mats combine early number learning with hands-on motor skill development. When students use tweezers to place pompoms on a number outline, they are working on:

• Pincer grip development (thumb and index finger control)
• Hand–eye coordination and bilateral movement
• Visual discrimination to match colours
• Number recognition by seeing and forming the shape of each numeral
• One-to-one correspondence through careful counting

This type of multi-sensory learning reinforces both physical and cognitive skills, making it ideal for early childhood classrooms.

What to Look for in Student Development

Using pompom mats regularly helps you observe fine motor and numeracy growth. Signs of progress include:

• Confident use of tweezers with a proper pincer grip
• Careful, accurate placement of pompoms
• Ability to name and trace numbers from 0 to 30
• Focus and persistence with a task
• Beginning to count and group items independently

Common Challenges

Some children may:

• Use their whole hand to grip the tweezers
• Avoid precision tasks due to frustration
• Struggle to recognise or remember number shapes
• Fatigue quickly or become distracted

These are typical early learning challenges and can be improved with short, consistent practice using hands-on tools like pompom mats. Check out

How to Use PomPom Number Mats 0–30

These mats are simple to prepare and great for maths rotations, fine motor centres, or morning tubs.

You’ll Need:

• Printable PomPom Number Mats 0–30
• Coloured pompoms
• Child-friendly tweezers or tongs
• Optional: counting mat or recording sheet

Instructions:

1. Choose a number mat (0–30) and say the number aloud
2. Look at the coloured dots inside the number shape
3. Use tweezers to pick up the matching pompom and place it on the dot
4. Fill the entire number with pompoms
5. Trace the number with your finger
6. Sort the pompoms by colour and count how many of each you used
7. Optional: record your results on a counting sheet

Extension Ideas

• Match the number mat to number cards or dice rolls
• Challenge students to build two numbers and compare
• Create number stories using the number of pompoms placed
• Use the mats for subitising practice and small group warm-ups

Why Teachers Love These Mats

Teachers love pompom mats because they:

• Support both mathematics and motor development
• Require low prep and reusable materials
• Fit seamlessly into early years rotations and interventions
• Keep students engaged through colour, movement, and choice
• Align with EYLF and Australian Curriculum Foundation maths outcomes

Final Thoughts

PomPom Number Recognition Mats offer a hands-on, purposeful way to combine number learning with fine motor development. Whether you’re teaching Foundation students or setting up a play-based maths centre, these mats make learning feel like play—while giving children the practice they need to succeed.

Ready to try them? Grab our Number Recognition Mats 0–30 and set up a fine motor station that builds strong hands and confident counters.