55+ of the Best Math Activities for Preschoolers

So many hands-on, multi-sensory math activities for preschoolers! These math activities for preschoolers are sure to engage the kids as they explore early 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!).

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.

Click on the photos to be taken to the individual math activities for preschoolers.

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.

Printable Math Games for Center Time

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.