Preschool math activities: counting, sorting and shapes without worksheets

Snack.

1. 1Count crackers onto each plate together.
2. 2Eat one. How many now?
3. 3Predict, then check.

One-to-one correspondence and the first idea of ‘one less’.

Blocks, a dice.

1. 1Roll the dice. Add that many blocks to your tower.
2. 2Count the whole tower each turn.
3. 3Whose is tallest? How many more?

Counting on, comparing, the vocabulary of more and fewer.

Shape cards; the building or garden.

1. 1Pick a shape card.
2. 2Walk and find it in the world: circle clock, rectangle door.
3. 3Photograph or draw each find.

Shape recognition in context; observation.

Two colours of beads or pasta; string.

1. 1Start a pattern: red, blue, red, blue.
2. 2Children continue it.
3. 3Try three colours. Name the pattern out loud.

Patterning — the seed of algebra.

A balance scale (or a coat hanger with two cups); objects.

1. 1Guess which is heavier.
2. 2Test.
3. 3Order five objects from lightest to heaviest.

Comparing, predicting, measurement language.

Chalk or tape numbers 1–10 on the floor.

1. 1Hop and say each number.
2. 2Hop backwards.
3. 3Teacher calls a number; jump to it.

Number order, recognition, gross motor.

A tin of buttons, a muffin tray.

1. 1Sort by colour.
2. 2Sort again by size.
3. 3Sort a third way — the child chooses the rule.

Classification and flexible thinking.

The corridor.

1. 1Estimate how many steps to the door.
2. 2Walk and count.
3. 3Try giant steps. Try baby steps. Compare.

Estimation, counting to higher numbers, measurement.