25 Math Activities For Preschoolers That Always Count

Math activities for preschoolers are like little seeds of knowledge. From counting cookies to building shape castles, these activities form the building blocks of your child's math journey.

I vividly remember the excitement as my niece and I turned basic addition and subtraction into a game of treasure hunt.

Watching her eyes light up as she excitedly solved each math clue was a reminder of how to turn learning into an adventure.

Fun Math Activities For Preschoolers

Today, I’m diving into 25 different math activities for preschoolers, from colorful sorting games to fun-filled measurement activities. These activities will help your kids to develop important mathematical skills.

1.       Count and Sort with Toys

Have your child gather a bunch of toys, such as cars, blocks, or stuffed animals. Encourage them to count each type of toy and sort them into groups.

You can say, "Let's put all the red cars in one pile and the blue cars in another pile."

2. Number Hunt

Create a number scavenger hunt by hiding numbered cards around the house or yard. Your child can search for the cards and then line them up in order. You can shout out hints like, "Find the number that comes after 4!"

3. Shape Scavenger Hunt

Take your little one on a shape scavenger hunt in your home or outdoors. Look for shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles. Encourage them to identify and name each shape they find.

4. Pattern Play

Use blocks, toys, or even snacks like fruit to create simple patterns with your child. Start with an AB pattern (e.g., apple, banana, apple, banana) and then let them create their own patterns.

5. Counting Card Games

Play simple card games that involve counting with your preschooler. You can play "War" where the highest number wins, or "Go Fish" matching number cards. This can help reinforce number recognition and counting skills.

       6. Measure and Compare

Grab a ruler or measuring tape and have your child measure different objects around the house. Compare the lengths and sizes of various items, such as books, pillows, or toys.

      7. Math Book Reading

Incorporate math into storytime by reading books that involve counting, shapes, or patterns. Ask questions like, "How many apples do you see on this page?" or "What shape is the clock?"

       Math Bingo

Create a simple math bingo game by making bingo cards with numbers or shapes. Call out numbers or shapes, and have your child cover the corresponding spot on their bingo card. Make sure to shout "Bingo!" when they win.

       Cooking Math

Involve your child in cooking or baking activities that require measuring ingredients. Let them count out the number of cups or teaspoons needed for a recipe. Cooking can be a delicious way to practice math skills!

    Number Line Hop

Draw a number line on the ground with chalk or tape and call out numbers for your child to hop to. This can help them practice counting and understanding number order.

    Shape Playdough

Use playdough to create different shapes with your child. Talk about the attributes of each shape (e.g., a square has four equal sides) as you mold them together.

    Math Walk

Take a math-themed walk around your neighborhood or local park. Look for numbers, shapes, and patterns in the environment. You can count trees, find shapes in the clouds, or spot patterns on sidewalks.

    DIY Math Puzzles

Create simple math puzzles using cardboard or paper cut into shapes or numbers. Have your child put the pieces together correctly to reveal the solution. This can be a fun and engaging way to practice math skills.

    Counting with Nature

Head outside and collect natural items like rocks, leaves, or sticks. Practice counting these items together and sorting them by size, shape, or color. Nature provides endless opportunities for math exploration!

    Math Dance Party

Turn up the music and have a math dance party with your child. Call out math-related prompts like, "Do five jumps!" or "Spin in a circle three times!" Dancing and math go hand in hand in this energetic activity.

    Number Match

Create number cards or use flashcards with numbers and corresponding objects (e.g., the number 3 and three apples). Have your child match the numbers to the correct quantity. This can reinforce number recognition and counting skills.

    Shape Sculpts

Use modeling clay or playdough to sculpt different shapes with your child. Encourage them to create shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. This hands-on activity can help solidify shape recognition.

    Math Drawing

Provide your child with paper and markers to draw math-related pictures. They can draw groups of objects to practice counting, create patterns, or even make shape collages. Let their creativity shine through their math art!

    Math Storytelling

Encourage your child to tell a math-themed story using toys, puppets, or drawings. They can incorporate numbers, shapes, or patterns into their storytelling. This activity promotes creativity and numeracy skills.

    Math Memory Game

Create a simple memory game using cards with math-related images or numbers. Turn the cards face down and have your child flip them over to find matching pairs. This game can boost memory and math skills simultaneously.

    Estimation Station

Set up an "estimation station" with jars filled with small objects like beans or buttons. Have your child guess how many items are in each jar and then count to check their estimate. This activity helps develop estimation and counting abilities.

    Fraction Fun

Introduce basic fractions by dividing snacks like cookies or fruit into halves or quarters. Talk about the concept of "parts of a whole" as your child enjoys their fractionally divided treat.

    Math Storytime

Read math-themed storybooks with your child that cover topics like addition, subtraction, shapes, or counting. After reading, engage in a discussion about the math concepts presented in the story.

   24 Math Board Games

Play math-themed board games like "Chutes and Ladders" or "Hi-Ho! Cherry-O" with your preschooler. These games are not only fun but also help reinforce counting, number recognition, and basic math skills.

 25.  Math Nature Journal

Start a math nature journal where your child can record and sketch math-related observations from outdoor outings. They can note shapes of leaves, count petals on flowers, or even measure the height of trees. Encourage them to be little mathematician explorers!

Math doesn't have to be confined to worksheets and textbooks. By incorporating these engaging math activities into your child's daily routine, you can help them develop a strong foundation in numeracy while having fun along the way. So grab some toys, playdough, or even some cookies, and embark on a math-filled adventure with your preschooler today!