Easy Witches’ Brew Counting Activity and Recipe Cards
We love Halloween! There are so many ways to make spooky season fun and also education for your little ones, and this witches’ brew counting activity is one of my favorites. It combines hands-on, play-based learning, number sense, and imaginative play, all into one fun Halloween counting activity!
What is play-based learning (and why is it important)?
Play-based learning is exactly what it sounds like – learning through play! When kids learn new things through play and fun activities, they get to explore, create, and interact with their surroundings. Play-based learning is especially important for young children, such as:
- Infants and toddlers (0-3 years), who explore their world through sensory play and simple interactions.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years), who learn best through imaginative play, role-playing, and hands-on activities.
- Early Elementary (6-8 years), who continue to benefit from playful activities that build on their growing skills and knowledge.
Benefits of play-based learning
Play-based learning is AWESOME because…
- It’s fun: Kids enjoy learning when it’s playful and exciting.
- It boosts creativity: Playing helps kids come up with new ideas and solutions.
- It improves social skills: Kids learn how to work and share with others.
- It encourages problem-solving: Play helps kids figure out how to solve problems on their own.
- It builds confidence: Trying new things through play helps kids feel more confident.
- It supports emotional growth: Playing helps kids understand and express their feelings.
- It promotes physical development: Active play helps kids build strength and coordination.
- It enhances language skills: Talking and playing together helps improve vocabulary and communication.
- It fosters a love for learning: Fun play makes kids excited about learning new things.
Are you sold yet? Then let’s jump right in to how you can set up this fun and easy witches’ brew counting activity for your preschool- or kindergarten-aged child!
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Supplies needed
(We got most of our supplies at the Dollar Tree during Halloween season! But below, I’ll share Amazon links to similar products in case that’s the easiest way for you to get your supplies.)
- Witches’ Brew Recipe Cards
- Divided tray (ours was actually a recycled fruit tray from Publix – but this one would work perfectly)
- Skeleton hands (optional but they made the activity 10x more fun!)
- Plastic eyeballs
- Spider rings
- Bat rings
- Little bones (if you can’t find these – q-tips would work well too!)
- A bowl, container, or cauldron
- Optional: a witch hat for your little witch
Setting up your witches’ brew counting activity
Cut out your recipe cards and, if desired, laminate them for durability.
Place your plastic eyeballs, spider rings, bat rings, and little bones into your divided tray. Lay out the prepared tray, recipe cards, skeleton hands, and a container or cauldron for your little one to create their “witches’ brew” in. If you have a witch hat, be sure to have that readily available, too!
Witches’ brew counting activity: time to play!
Invite your child to use the recipe cards to create their own witches’ brew. They can practice counting out the correct ingredients, and then stirring the ingredients together in a big bowl or cauldron!
I don’t know if it was the extra-fun skeleton hands we used for picking things up, or pretending that each recipe did something different (one turned our ten-month-old, Ruthie, into a frog 😉), but this was one of the most fun activities we’ve done in my house!
Of course, a friendly safety reminder: some of the small parts in this activity could be a choking hazard for your littlest learners. If your child still puts everything in his or her mouth, consider using larger items. Always use your best judgment and supervise play!
Extending the Halloween fun
Looking for more ways to extend your Halloween learning and fun? I’ve got you covered! Here are some fun Halloween-themed books that I know your little one will love!:
- Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey
- The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead
- Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
Planning for Halloween fun with a preschooler? You’ll LOVE this Halloween & Pumpkin Fun printable activity set. You can check it out HERE.
And make SURE to check out these other posts for more great Halloween crafts and activities:
- Easy Halloween Sensory Activities for 1 Year Olds
- Spider Web Tape Resist Art
- How to Make an Easy Fall Sensory Bin
More fun counting activity recipe cards
Can’t get enough of these counting activity recipe cards? Don’t worry, I’ve got more for you to check out!
Will you try this fun and easy witches’ brew counting activity at home or in your classroom? If you do, I’d LOVE to hear about it! Comment below or message me on Instagram to tell me about it!
