Preschoolers love to play games and be active. Bringing more math lessons into early curriculum through a variety of engaging activities can help to make learning more fun. Incorporating different educational games inside and outside of the classroom builds cooperation skills, problem solving abilities, physical fitness strengths, as well as, other developmental basics important to early childhood education.
Play in Preschool: 5 Games That Reinforce Math Skills
To reinforce beginning math skills such as number recognition, sequencing, and addition, we have put together a list of five active games that children are sure to enjoy.
Bean Bag Toss
Bean bag play can provide a variety of learning activities when it comes to math. Have fun counting tosses, adding up the points from a designated system or from the numbers on the bags. Introduce measurements and calculate the distance of the toss from the thrower or from other bags that have landed. Incorporate a number grid where children can match a bean bag with the corresponding number for some number recognition practice.
Number Line Run
Learning with a number line is a great way to work on identifying numbers in sequence. Using chalk on cement, or spray paint on grass, draw a long line for children to run along. Write the numbers 1 to 25, in order, starting with 1 at the beginning. Early learners will enjoy exploring the number line, practicing number order, and recognition. When they are ready, holler out a number for them to run and find along the line. Modify the number line run by incorporating addition and subtraction concepts when early learners are ready.
Basketball
Basketball is a fun game to play that helps teach numbers and sequencing, as well as hand-eye coordination. Counting how many times the ball gets in the hoop or introducing a point system for the baskets incorporates different types of math. Basic addition can be taught by adding up the points or by counting all of the players. Use a stopwatch or clock to introduce the concept of time periods for the game. Maybe even compare each of the players by sorting them according to height. Basketball is great team sport to practice a variety of mathematical concepts.
Hopscotch
A great way to practice number recognition, pattern identification, and addition is to play a game of hopscotch. Draw out the hopscotch board with colorful chalk on the cement or spray paint on the grass. The game could be played by rolling dice, tossing a bean bag, or throwing a pebble. Altering the hopscotch design and varying the style of the game slightly can lead to hours of enjoyment for preschoolers.
Fitness Dice Roll
Practice counting, repetition, and sequence with a pair of fitness dice. Children can take turns rolling the kid-friendly dice. One die has numbers and the other has a range of physical movements from jumping jacks to arm circles. Preschoolers will enjoy completing this numbered exercise game as they practice basic math skills while participating in a variety of fitness activities.