Duck Counting and Matching Game {quack quack!}

{I originally shared this tutorial over at Johnny in a Dress.}

My mom always bought presents both for the new baby as well as the siblings. It’s a habit she passed along to me. Bringing a new baby home changes the dynamic of the whole family. I think its fun to spoil the older siblings a little. It lets them feel extra special at a time when a lot of fuss is being made about the newest member of the household.

One of my daughter’s little playmates is about to become a big brother. Milo just loves my little miss. He calls me “Emma Momma” and is very sad when he sees me without my little miss. Lucky for my husband, Emma doesn’t return his affection. She’s not too big on boys being anywhere near her.

In addition to my little miss, Milo loves ducks. His favorite pastime is feeding ducks at the park. Thinking about what I wanted to make this soon to be big brother, I knew it had to involve ducks. So, this little duck counting game was born.

What you'll need:

Yellow and white foam

Duck outline

Sharpie

Scissors

Clothespins

Mini popsicle sticks

Gorilla glue

Find yourself a duck outline {I just searched Google Images} and trace him onto your yellow foam.

Then, go to town cutting out your 10 yellow ducks.

For the white squares, I used my quilting ruler and rotary cutter to make 1x1 inch squares. You could always guestimate {like my technical terms} or use a ruler to draw the squares and cut them out from there.

Next, write your numbers on your ducks using a Sharpie. Also, draw in the duck eyes. Then, write in the numbers on your white squares.

Go ahead and glue the popsicle sticks to the back of your ducks. I used Gorilla Glue because its what I had that would stick to both foam and wood. I wanted it to be a firm hold that would survive a two year old. Keep in mind, hot glue will eat away at the foam.

Also, glue your clothespins to the pack of your numbers.

These little ducks will let your little one count and match numbers. Also, the clothes pins are great for practicing fine motor skills. 

Now you have yourself a counting and number matching game for the little duck lover in your life. I’m very excited to give Milo his new paddle of ducks! {Yep...a group of ducks is called a paddle}.