Help them make a new estimation using what they learned from their first try. Refill the jar with either a different amount of the same item or with a new item. Then, count out the items together and compare the actual amount to the estimated amount. For the first estimation, let them guess without much guidance. Once your jars are ready, ask your child to guess how many items are in the jars. Be sure to only put one type of item in each jar. Fill each jar with items such as cotton balls, nuts, paper clips, beads, dried pasta, grapes, buttons, or anything that can be easily counted. To start, gather several small clear containers with lids, such as baby food jars. You’ve likely played this game without realizing that you were flexing your critical thinking and estimating skills. For example, next to the number 2, have your child place two socks or a second card with the number two on it. Place a second number card or set of objects to correspond with each number along the number line. They’ll soon be able to repeat the pattern on their own. Say the numbers, “2–4–6–8–10” and have your child step or hop on each number as it’s said. Again, place a set of objects next to each number and point out that the amounts decrease as they step along the line. As an extension activity, place a set of small objects, such as dried beans, next to each number, and watch your student discover that the amount increases as they step along the line.Ĭall out the name of each number as they step on it. Then, try the following activities with your child:Ĭall out the name of each numeral as they step on it. Create a number line from 0–10 outside with chalk or inside with painter’s tape and index cards or sticky notes. Here’s a great game to get your little one up and moving while practicing number recognition, counting, and subitizing (the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects without actually counting them). Then, add one more clothespin to the square to make a pentagon.Įncourage creativity! If a card with a seven is selected, the shape they create might be irregular. Show them that they can make a square if they add one more clothespin. For example, if your child selects a card with a three and takes three clothespins, they can create a triangle. Let your child explore and create a shape by clipping the clothespins together. If they can’t after a minute or two of trying, they can select another card and add that number to the previous one. Next, ask them to try to create a shape with that number of clothespins. Have your child draw a card and then take that number of clothespins. Before you begin, be sure to remove the face cards and tell your child that an ace is 1, then place the cards face down. To play, you only need some spring-loaded clothespins and a deck of playing cards. This game is a very simple way to practice both number recognition and shapes. Finally, have them trace the number with their finger, say it aloud with you, and count it out. Once they think they know which number it is, take the paper out of the envelope to check. Prompt them with clues and assistance as needed. Next, slide one sheet into the envelope and have your child try to figure out which number is peeking through the opening. The numbers should be large enough that they’re only partially visible in the rectangle. Then, print the numerals 0–9 on sheets of 8 ½” x 11” paper. It’s also one of the first skills that preschoolers must master when embarking on their mathematics journey.įor this activity, cut a rectangular window out of the front of a large mailing envelope. Number recognition is an essential skill to solve even the most basic math problems. This game helps early learners develop number recognition, which is the ability to identify numbers by their name and appearance. Challenge them to create different shapes (and sizes) such as triangles, squares, rectangles, or hexagons. Then, let your child stretch colorful rubber bands or hair ties around the pegs to make a pattern or designs.

To start, make your own 3D geoboard out of a pumpkin or melon by helping your child insert push pins or gently hammer golf tees with a wooden mallet around the surface. If you’re willing to get a little bit messy, here’s a fun, hands-on way to get your child practicing their shapes. Not sure how? Here are nine quick and easy math games for preschoolers to try! 1. As your child’s first teacher, you can start introducing basic math concepts such as numbers, counting, shapes, patterns, and measurement as you play together. They crave experiences that incorporate their senses and require them to experiment or make observations. Little ones love to learn through exploration, discovery, and PLAY.

Simple math problems for preschoolers