Pre-schoolers have to learn many important math skills before starting kindergarten. Calculations, number sense, sorting, patterns, size comparisons, and much more – all of these concepts are needed by the little ones so that they can move on to more advanced math concepts. These preschool math games and activities help kids master those skills in a way that is as fun as playing time!
1. String beads on pipe cleaner
It is one of those classic preschool math games that has many benefits for young students. As they learn to count, they learn fine motor control, recognize numbers, and keep numbers in order. All you need is a pipe cleaner and beads.
Learn more: Learn Laughing Kids
2. Monster Dice Match
Rolling dice give kids the opportunity to practice counting and subtizing. Get printable for this free matching game at the link.
Learn more: Measured Mother — Monster Dice
3. Create and calculate
You’ll find lots of dice-related preschool math games out there. In this one, the kids roll the dice and then assemble the blocks. They end up counting blocks together, a preliminary role to add.
Learn more: We raise our hands as we get older
4. Invert the Uno card to make a match
Get some memory practice while you learn numbers. Uno cards, with their bright and pleasing colors and large numbers, are suitable for this, but regular playing cards also work.
Learn more: Early playground
5. Tag the number
We love that this game gives kids a chance to move! Tap the number on the wall (or write on a whiteboard). Then roll the kids a dye and run to tag the number that comes up. You can also play this game in other ways, such as calling numbers randomly or tapping numbers in different places around the house.
Learn more: Read this mom
6. Build a city
Stack building blocks and create a city skyline. Each time you get a different result, it’s one of those preschool math games that kids can play over and over again.
Learn more: Cinta + Co.
7. The race to fill the cup
So easy and so much fun! Take a math cube or small toy and a bin with some plastic cups. Kids roll the polyhedral die (you can try flipping cards or uno cards) and put lots of items in their cups. Winning their cup is the first to be fully fulfilled!
Learn more: Fill 6 cups of frugal fun for boys and girls
8. Find the numbers
Combine a sensitive experience with some number practice. Fill a bin with sand, then bury the cards to find the kids and match the cards.
Learn more: Busy Kids / Number Hunt
9. Bounce a balloon
Everyone loves to play with balloons! Roll a die, then see if you can bounce a balloon into the air multiple times without hitting the ground.
Learn more: Confidence Meets Parenting
10. Create a Beetle
It’s just like the real cottage game, but no need to buy anything! Just cut the beetle piece from the construction paper, then roll a die and see if you can be the first to assemble your bug!
Learn more: Teach Beside Me
11. Make shapes with sticks
Kids need to master their size and this is a clever way to do it. Put together a set of wooden craft sticks (use the same color for each shape) and let the little fingers turn into triangles, squares and other shapes.
Learn more: Tim Cartwright
12. Send the bear into the hibernation cave
Make a “cave” out of a plastic bowl, then send the little toy bear “sleepless” into each one! Learn how the game works at the link.
Learn more: Pre-school pockets
13. Park the numbered car
Illusions! Enter the number of your toy car to match the slots in a cardboard parking lot. Kids will have fun zooming in on the right place.
Learn more: B-inspired Mama
14. Domino line up
Dominoes is an excellent math learning tool. This game is a secret role of addition, because the kids count the total number of points in each domino and put them in the right place.
Learn more: Busy Kids-Domino Line-up
15. Copy ice tray patterns
Patterns are a key skill for preschoolers. Placing pom-poms on ice cube trays with plastic tweezers also helps them work on their fine motor skills.
Learn more: Play time planning
16. Rubber Duck Math Race
In this game, kids run to see who could be the first to get 10 (or any number of your choice) of their rubber ducks. They roll a dye and spread the tiles to move their ducks. Twist? To reach the end of 10, they need to roll the right number — no more! These types of pre-school math games help kids count and count up to 10.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Playtime — Rubber Duck Race
17. Feed the LEGO monster
Arrange Lego bricks according to color, shape or number of dots. Then compare the numbers in each bag to learn the “less or less” concept.
Learn more: Baby approved
18. Block drop in tube
Label some empty cardboard tubes with numbers and upcycle. Then drop small items like blocks or caps into the tubes to match the numbers.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Playtime 6 Tube Counting
19. Compare numbers with music
Prepare for this game using dot markers on a paper plate as shown (go to the link below for more examples). Each child picks up a plate and uses it to “drive” around the house as you play. When the music stops, they find a partner nearby 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 and repeat!
20. Hold a shaped scavenger hunt
Preschool math students are learning to recognize shapes in their environment and to classify and sort. This scavenger hunt does it all! Send them to find objects that match the shape of the room. Then count and compare to see how many you have in each category.
Learn more: Thrifty Fun Shape Scavenger Hunt for Boys and Girls
If you like these preschool math games, be sure to check out these 20 simple and fun preschool science tests and activities.
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