Preschool Math Games: Teach Numbers in a Fun Manner

Kids are born ready and able to learn. That’s why, teaching preschoolers math can be fun and easy, of course, if you tackle it in the right way. However, the same old math worksheets and lectures can feel boring and uninspiring for young minds. Well, why not mix it up with interactive and engaging math games?

Although math has a reputation for being a fascinating yet challenging subject, it can become a joyful adventure when children are encouraged to learn through play. If done right, they won’t even realise they are learning. Playing math games helps young students grasp key concepts like numbers, counting, time, and money naturally and enjoyably. Therefore, as a preschool teacher, you want to take every opportunity to incorporate these engaging activities into your classroom.

Nowadays, there’s a vast selection of math games for kids that are simple to play and understand. Classic choices like number puzzles, flashcards, and shopping list games can be the perfect addition to your lesson plan. So grab a handful of these math learning games and watch preschoolers dive into the world of numbers all while having fun.

Benefits of Learning Through Play

Play has a huge role in children’s lives because it teaches them about the world and themselves. The same thing applies when they begin learning numbers at school. Things learnt during play are easier and faster to remember, even when it comes to math which is often considered one of the most challenging subjects in school.

As an educator, you probably know that mistakes are an important part of the learning process. However, many kids can feel upset or frustrated when they get something wrong, especially in front of their peers. The good thing about math games is that they help little ones practice their skills in a low-pressure environment. Children can make mistakes, learn from them, and try again, all while having fun. In the end, kids see mistakes as completely normal rather than something to be feared.

Apart from reducing the fear of making mistakes, playing math games for kids encourages collaboration.

Top Math Games to Spice Up Your Classroom

Flashcards

They say “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Images can communicate concepts better than words alone, mainly because we as humans tend to remember information better when presented visually. Well, the same thing goes for flashcards. By combining pictures with numbers, objects, or words, flashcards create strong visual associations. They can help with memorisation, concept building, and quick recall of information. Repeated exposure to flashcards can significantly impact the brain’s ability to learn and retain information.

Classic number flashcards usually feature numbers 1 to 10 or 1 to 20 on one side and images like groups of apples, animals, or objects on the other side. You can show the number side first and ask your students to say the number out loud. Then, turn the card over to show the picture, and have them count the objects aloud. This helps reinforce number recognition and counting skills.

To turn flashcards into an exciting game, you can challenge your students with activities like “Who can count the fastest?”. Show a card with a number, and have children clap their hands or hop that many times. The first to finish correctly wins a point.

Puzzles

Puzzles are another staple in education and early learning. They are a great way for kids to understand how the world around them works and what they can do to cause changes. Additionally, because puzzles are made out of multiple pieces that are differently shaped, kids learn everything about shapes and where to place them in a given situation.

Furthermore, solving puzzles helps with concentration and memory recall, which are crucial for mastering math facts and solving problems. For a kid to be able to solve a puzzle, it needs to analyse the pieces, see what fits and what doesn’t and remember the previous trials and errors to make it right the next time. This skill later applies to a lot of scenarios in real life.

Games like shape sorting and number matching puzzles are perfect for preschool-aged children who are just beginning to count objects and recognise numbers. Offer them puzzles with numbers 1 to 5 and gradually introduce higher numbers as confidence builds. To make it more appealing to younger ones, use puzzles with colourful and engaging designs to captivate their attention.

Shopping Spree Challenge

Another thing you can try in the classroom is a shopping list game. Set up a mini store with everyday items labelled with prices. Provide your students with pretend money and give them shop for items while practising number recognition by identifying prices on items, counting, deciding what to buy and even giving change. This fun, hands-on game can turn basic math into a practical and real-world skill.