Preschool math crafts

Preschool Math Games and Activities to Engage Young Learners

Preschoolers have lots of important math skills to learn before they start kindergarten. Counting, number sense, sorting, patterns, comparing size, and so much more—these are all concepts toddlers need so they can move on to more advanced math concepts. These preschool math games and activities help kids master those skills in ways that are just as fun as playtime!

1. String beads on pipe cleaners

This is one of those classic preschool math games that has so many benefits for young learners. They get fine motor control practice along with learning to count, recognize numerals, and put numbers in order. All you need are pipe cleaners and beads.

Learn more: Laughing Kids Learn

2. Monster Dice Match

Rolling dice gives kids a chance to practice counting and subitizing. Get the printable for this free matching game at the link.

Learn more: The Measured Mom—Monster Dice

3.

Build and count

You’ll find lots of dice-related preschool math games out there. In this one, kids roll the dice and then stack blocks together. They finish by counting the blocks all together, an early intro to addition.

Learn more: Hands On as We Grow

4. Flip Uno cards to make a match

Get some memory practice while you learn numerals. Uno cards, with their bright and cheery colors and large numbers, are perfect for this, but regular playing cards work too.

Learn more: Primary Playground

5. Tag the number

We love that this game gives kids a chance to move! Tape up numbers on the wall (or write them on a whiteboard). Then have kids roll a die and run to tag the number that comes up. You can play this game in other ways too, like calling out the numbers randomly yourself, or taping the numbers in a variety of places around the room.

Learn more: This Reading Mama

6.

Build a city

Stack building blocks and build a city skyline. You’ll get a different result every time, making this one of those preschool math games kids can play again and again.

Learn more: Cinta + Co.

7. Race to fill the cup

So simple and so fun! Grab a bin of math cubes or small toys and some plastic cups. Kids roll a polyhedral die (you can also try flipping playing cards or Uno cards) and place that many items in their cup. The first to completely fill their cup wins!

Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls—Fill the Cup

8. Hunt for numbers

Combine a sensory experience with some number practice. Fill a bin with sand, then bury playing cards for kids to find and match up.

Learn more: Busy Toddler/Number Hunt

9. Bounce a balloon

Everyone loves playing with balloons! Roll a die, then see if you can bounce a balloon into the air that many times without letting it hit the ground.

Learn more: Confidence Meets Parenting

10.

Build a beetle

This is just like the original Cootie game, but no need to buy anything! Just cut beetle pieces from construction paper, then roll a die and see if you can be the first to assemble your bug!

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

11. Create shapes with sticks

Toddlers need to master their shapes, and this is a clever way to do it. Put together sets of wood craft sticks (use the same color for each shape) and let little fingers turn them into triangles, squares, and other shapes.

Learn more: Team Cartwright

12. Send bears into hibernation caves

Make “caves” from plastic bowls, then send little toy bears into “hibernation” in each one! Learn how the game works at the link.

Learn more: Pocket of Preschool

13. Park numbered cars

Vroom vroom! Number your toy cars to match the slots in a cardboard parking lot. Kids will have fun zooming them into the right places.

Learn more: B-Inspired Mama

14.

Line up dominoes

Dominoes are fantastic math learning tools. This game is a sneaky introduction to addition, as kids count up the total number of dots on each domino and put them in the proper place.

Learn more: Busy Toddler—Domino Line-Up

15. Copy ice tray patterns

Seeing and matching patterns is a key skill for preschoolers. Placing pom-poms into ice cube trays with plastic tweezers helps them work on fine motor skills too.

Learn more: Planning Playtime

16. Rubber Duck Math Race

In this game, kids race to see who can be the first to get their rubber duckies to 10 (or any number you choose). They roll a die and lay out tiles to move their duck. The twist? To get to 10 at the end, they must roll the exact number they need—no going over! Preschool math games like this help kids master counting to 10 and counting on.

Learn more: Happy Toddler Playtime—Rubber Duck Race

17. Feed the LEGO monster

Sort LEGO bricks by color, shape, or number of dots. Then compare the number that wind up in each bag to learn the concept of “more or less.”

Learn more: Toddler Approved

18. Drop blocks into tubes

Upcycle some empty cardboard tubes by labeling them with numbers. Then drop small items like blocks or caps into the tubes to match the numbers.

Learn more: Happy Toddler Playtime—Tube Counting

19. Compare numbers to music

Prep for this game by using dot markers on paper plates as shown (visit the link below for more examples). Each kid takes a plate and uses it to “drive” around the room as you play music. When the music stops, they find a nearby partner and compare what they see on each other’s plates (e.g., “8 dots is more than 4 dots. 1 green dot is less than 4 green dots.”). Then start the music up and repeat!

20. Hold a shape scavenger hunt

Preschool math students are learning to recognize shapes in their environment and also to categorize and sort. This scavenger hunt does it all! Send them out to find objects in the room that match the shapes. Then count and compare to see how many you have in each category.

Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls—Shape Scavenger Hunt

If you loved these preschool math games, be sure to check out 20 Simple and Fun Preschool Science Experiments and Activities.

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters!

80+ of the Best Math Activities for Preschoolers

These math activities for preschoolers are sure to engage the kids as they explore early math. They run the gamut from counting to colors to one-to-one correspondence and include hands-on, multi-sensory ideas. Plus, there are even some free printables focused on math!

Children naturally explore math throughout their day. We, as adults, may not realize this at first. But take a few moments today to sit back and observe.

As you’re watching the kids build a structure with blocks, you’ll see them delve into math. They might count the blocks they used to make a castle. Perhaps they’ll comment on the shape or color of the blocks. The children might even say that they’re taller than what they’ve built.

Watch them as they’re playing outside. They might be counting or sorting the leaves they’ve collected. Maybe they’ll use some sticks to measure the playground fence. I’m sure you’ll hear some observations about the colors all around them.

Those are just a few instances of kids bringing math into their everyday lives. Because that’s the thing . . . math IS in their everyday lives. It’s in OUR everyday lives too. We’re just so used to it that it doesn’t phase us much.

Below you will find a slew of hands-on preschool math activities to try with your students or your own kids. Each and every one has been a hit in my classroom or my home (or both!).

Table of Contents

Math Activities for Preschoolers

While many of these math ideas are invitations I came up with, you’ll also find a variety that the kids put together themselves.

Keep that in mind when you’re mapping out your math lesson plans – kids can (and do!) delve into math learning on their own. So sometimes simpler is better. And you never know . . . they might create a new math lesson for you to use in later years.

I’ve broken the math activities for preschoolers into a few different categories. This way, you can find just what you’re looking for! I’ll be updating this page as I share more math ideas, so be sure to pin or bookmark it.

Calendar Numbers and Number Cards

I’ve got a variety of free printable calendar numbers for you and the kids, as well as number cards. The calendar numbers are squares and can be used as part of your linear or traditional calendar. Both the calendar numbers and the number cards can be used to practice a multitude of early math skills. Either way, they’re items you should include with the rest of your math activities for preschoolers.

Sorting Math Activities for Preschoolers

Teaching kids to sort is an important part of preschool math. Below you’ll find sorting math activities to try with the kids.

Shape Activities

Now let’s take a peek at some shape math activities for preschoolers! Little kids get really excited about learning to identify shapes, don’t they?

One-to-One Correspondence Math Activities

Helping children move from rote counting to one-to-one correspondence is a big part of preschool math. It encompasses the understanding that each object in a set can be counted, as well as matching one item to one corresponding item. Children learn that numerals represent a specific quantity. This is important because numerals themselves are an abstract concept. One-to-one correspondence bridges the gap to understanding the abstract.

Click on the links below for each of the 1-to-1 correspondence math activities for preschoolers:

Math Printable Books

Printable emergent readers aren’t just for practicing early literacy skills! They can also be a great way to explore early math skills like counting, colors, number identification, and more. Below are printable books I created to pair with my other math activities for preschoolers.

Preschool Subitizing Activities

Subitizing is knowing how many items are in a group without counting them. It’s how we can look at the dots on the face of a die and just know how many there are, for example. Games involving dice are one of the ways we teach children about subitizing.

Color Activities for Preschool

We can’t talk about math activities for preschoolers without talking about learning colors, right?! And you can use almost anything to explore color identification with the kids, including using the environment around you. But if you’re looking for more ideas, I have some suggestions:

Learn how to dye pumpkin seeds and use them in your math fun.

Make some rainbow sensory bottles with corn syrup (or your other favorite sensory jar ingredients).

Use rainbow rocks for teaching colors.

Set up a scented rainbow science experiment for the kids.

Put together a colorful corn sensory bin.

An “I See” rainbow book combines literacy and math in the form of colors.

Help the kids make a color collage.

This fall colors modeled writing activity can be used to discuss colors throughout the year.

Set up a colored ice sensory invitation.

Even More Math Activities for Preschoolers

As I said earlier, Fun-A-Day houses a lot of engaging math activities. Many of them fit into the above categories, but there are a few that just don’t. I suppose I need to write about more ideas like those below!

Themed Math Activities for Preschoolers

I told you we had a ton of math ideas to talk about, right?! So you’re probably not surprised I have even more to share with you! Below are collections of math activities based around holidays, seasons, or themes. They come in handy when planning, let me tell you!

Kid-Tested Preschool Math Books

Since we’re chatting about math right now, I thought I’d share some children’s math books with you. They’re all books I’ve read with my students to resounding successes.

Some Preschool Math Supplies You Should Check Out

No, kids don’t need a lot of things to learn math. In fact, grab some rocks and sticks and you’re probably good to go!

That being said, I do have some favorite math supplies. These are items I like using in the classroom for a wide variety of math activities for preschoolers and kindergartners (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):

Printable Math Activities for Preschoolers

We have a variety of early math games and activities perfect for small groups and center time. I’d suggest you check out the roll and color bundle first, especially if you want a math resource that works for a variety of themes and holidays.

The roll and color bundle has 11 sets of math games that would work with different levels of children in early childhood classrooms.

This bundle includes Fall Pumpkin Roll and Color, Fall Apples Roll and Color, Back to School Crayon Roll and Color, Summer Fish Roll and Color, Spring Flower Roll and Color, Easter Egg Roll and Color, St. Patrick’s Day Roll and Color, Hearts Roll and Color, Christmas Tree Roll and Color, Fall Leaves Roll and Color, and Turkey Feather Roll and Color.

Each bundle comes with up to 9 game cube configurations and up to 16 game mats. Different game mats focus on the following skills:

Color Matching
Shape Matching
Matching Sets to Numbers (0-5)
Sets to Numbers (5-10)
Matching Numbers (0-5)
Matching Numbers (6-10)
One More (0-5)
One More (5-10)
One Less (5-10)
Addition Facts (0-5)
Doubles Facts (0-5)
Doubles Facts (5-10)
Writing Doubles Facts (0-10)
Color Words
Number Words (0-5)
Number Words (5-10)

It’s Your Turn

Okay, now that I have talked (and talked and talked!) about math activities for preschoolers, it’s your turn. What are some of your favorite early math ideas and lessons? Be sure to pop over to Fun-A-Day’s Facebook page and let me know.

Learning Geometric Shapes: Games for Preschoolers

One of the important aspects of the development of mathematical concepts in preschoolers is the study of the basics of geometry. In the course of acquaintance with geometric shapes, the child acquires new knowledge about the properties of objects (shape) and develops logical thinking. In this article, we will talk about how to help a preschooler remember geometric shapes, how to properly organize games for teaching geometry, and what materials and aids can be used to develop a child’s mathematical abilities.

At what age can one start learning geometric shapes?

Many parents are wondering if young children need to get acquainted with geometric shapes. Experts believe that it is optimal to start classes in a playful, relaxed form from the age of 1.5. Until this age, it is appropriate to pronounce to the child the names of the shapes of objects that the baby meets in real life (for example, “round plate”, “square table”).

Introducing the child to geometric shapes, be guided by his reaction. If your baby started to show interest in them at an early age (by playing with the sorter or looking at pictures), encourage his curiosity.

At the age of 2, the baby should be able to distinguish between:

Circle;
Square;
Triangle.

By the age of 3 you can add:

Oval;
Rhombus;
Rectangle.

At an older age, a child can memorize such shapes as a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a star, a semicircle. Also, children visiting the Constellation Montessori Center get acquainted with geometric bodies with interest.

How can I help my child remember geometric shapes?

Teaching a child geometric shapes should take place in stages. You need to start new figures only after the baby remembers the previous ones. The circle is the simplest shape. Show your child round objects, feel them, let the baby run his finger over them. You can also make an application from circles, mold a circle from plasticine. The more sensations associated with the concept being studied, the child receives, the better the baby will remember it.

Three-dimensional figures can be used to get acquainted with the forms. It can be made by a designer, a sorter, lacing, frame inserts. Since at an early age the visual-effective type of thinking is most developed, various actions with figures will help to remember them better.

How children of different ages perceive geometric figures

The operations that a child can perform with geometric figures and how he perceives shapes depend on the age of the baby. In accordance with age characteristics, the following stages of training can be distinguished:

In the second year of life, the baby is able to visually recognize familiar figures and sort objects according to shape.
At 2 years old, a child can find the desired shape among a number of other geometric shapes.
By the age of 3, babies can name shapes.
At the age of 4, a child is able to correlate three-dimensional figures with a flat image.
At senior preschool age (and sometimes even earlier) you can start studying geometric bodies (ball, cube, pyramid). Also at this age, the child can analyze complex pictures consisting of many shapes.

Regardless of the child's age, try to pay attention to the shapes of the surrounding objects and compare them with known geometric shapes. This can be done at home and on the go.

Games for learning geometric shapes

For a child to be interested, learning geometric shapes should take place in a playful way. You should also select bright and colorful materials for classes (you can buy them in a store or do it yourself). Here are some examples of games and tutorials for learning geometric shapes:

Sorting. Games with a sorter can be started from the age of 1. Invite the child to find its window for the figure. So the child will not only memorize geometric shapes, but also develop fine motor skills, thinking and spatial representations, because in order for the part to fall into the hole, you need to turn it at the right angle. You can also sort any other items, such as building blocks, Gyenesch blocks, or counting material.
Insert frames. In fact, this manual is similar to a sorter. For each geometric figure, you need to find its place.
Geometric lotto. To play, you will need a field with the image of geometric shapes and handout cards with each figure separately. A child can take small cards out of a chest or bag, and then look for their place on the playing field. This game also perfectly trains the attention of the baby.
Geometric appliqué. Cut out various geometric shapes from paper and, together with your child, make a picture out of them (for example, you can make a Christmas tree from triangles, a house from a square and a triangle).

Drawing (including stencils).
Modeling.
Laying out figures from counting sticks.
Geometric mosaic.
Laces with geometric shapes.
Card games.
Guess by touch.
Active games. Draw geometric shapes on the pavement with chalk. Ask the child to imagine that the figures are houses that you need to run into on a signal. Next, you name a geometric figure, and the child runs to it.

In addition, educational cartoons can be used to study geometric shapes. Here is one of them:

Conclusions

Learning the basics of geometry at preschool age is an important part of developing a child's mathematical and sensory representations. Acquaintance with the figures should occur gradually (first, simple figures - a circle, a square, a triangle). To keep your child interested, study geometric shapes in a playful way. Your assistants in this can be such educational aids as insert frames, mosaics, lotto, sorters, sets of geometric shapes and bodies, stencils. You can also study geometric shapes on the street: just talk to your child about what you see around and what shapes these objects look like. Then the kid will definitely learn to distinguish geometric shapes and remember their names.

Conclusion

Montessori environment has been specially created for the comprehensive and harmonious development of each child in the children's center "Constellation". In the process of free work in it, children not only get acquainted with the basics of geometry, but also develop their cognitive processes, fine motor skills, learn to write, read, and count. In addition, the Montessori environment gives the child the opportunity to fully demonstrate independence and responsibility. We will be glad to see you and your baby at our center!

Prepared by a Montessori teacher
Malysheva Evgenia

Math for children 4, 5, 6, 7 years old

Here you can find a lot of useful materials on the topic "Math for children for children 4, 5, 6, 7 years old", which you can print on a printer and engage with children as at home, and in preschool and school institutions. With the help of our article 11 best activities for learning numbers from one to ten, you can teach numbers and counting to a child of any age. Learning math in a playful way is a very interesting activity even for those children who do not show much love for learning. Also, such tasks are great for little fidgets who cannot sit in one place for 5 minutes. Each game task is designed for a younger child - it is designed in such a way that the child does not get tired, and at the same time receives a useful portion of knowledge and skills. The main thing is not to solve all the tasks at once, only one at a time!

Mathematics for children 4, 5, 6, 7 years old - choose a section for learning

Mathematics for children is presented in several sections, each of which develops certain skills in teaching a child. For example, counting up to 10 and 20 is intended for children who are learning to count objects, but still do not know numbers well and do not know how to solve mathematical expressions. In the section with tasks in mathematics, more complex tasks are presented, in which examples, tasks, and various tasks for adding, subtracting, dividing the number of objects into equal parts, etc. can be found. In tasks with geometric shapes, children will get acquainted with the shapes and names of geometric shapes, perform simple tasks to consolidate the learned material. Also, tasks with mathematical signs (greater than, less than, equals sign) are given separately.

In this section, we learn to count to 10 with fun picture activities for preschoolers. Learning to count in a playful way is a very interesting activity even for those children who do not show much love for learning.

Here we learn to count up to 20 by completing interesting game tasks in pictures. The tasks below are suitable for children who have already mastered counting up to 10 and are starting to learn counting up to 20.

Here are interesting and colorful picture math tasks for children who are preparing for school or studying in 1st grade. Assignments can be very useful for teachers in kindergartens and elementary schools to teach children about mathematical expressions more effectively.

Geometric shapes for children - Interesting tasks

Here you can download and print geometric shapes for children in the form of interesting tasks in pictures, the implementation of which will not only benefit the child, but also a lot of fun.

Numbers for children in various designs are presented here - numbers in the form of flowers, three-dimensional, gold, with various textures, ice, puzzle numbers, as well as simple numbers in black and red.

Mathematical signs and symbols - Picture tasks

Learn math signs and symbols with fun picture activities. By completing tasks, the child will learn to distinguish between greater than and less than signs, as well as plus, minus and equal sign.