I have this vivid math memory of getting quizzed on multiplication on the playground in elementary school. In third grade I was sick a lot (well every year I was, but that’s another story) and was behind on our weekly quizzes.

We were doing our 8s. 8X1 is 8! 8X2 is 16! 8X3 is…

Everyone else was running around outside laughing and I was desperately trying to remember some memory trick about 8s that I thought I had mastered.

Sick or not, math was never my thing.

When I started homeschooling our twins I was nervous about the Math part.

I shouldn’t have been.

Eventually when they get to advanced calc and I break out in cold sweats from the stressful memories, but at least for now Preschool and Early Elementary school Math is fun.

Math does NOT have to be worksheets or printables or stressful playground quizzes. Math can be fun.

Below are some of our favorite ways to learn basic math concepts in hands on, active, and fun ways.

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Easy Preschool Math Ideas for Learning Shapes, Counting and Patterning

Learning Shapes

Build with Magna-Tiles

Building with blocks that are different shapes offers amazing hands on ways to practice how shapes work, fit together, are deconstructed, etc. And what better to build with than beautiful Magnatiles?
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Finding Circles

This gross motor activity works on shape identification. We practiced circles, but you can quickly adapt it to work on a different shape or all the shapes. Click below to read more (it’s #9 on the list) and find more fun gross motor learning activities.
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Mouse Shapes Inspired Art

Art contains so much potential for math learning. This is just one example that focuses on learning and exploring shapes.
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Finding Round Shapes in Nature

This is a picture book inspired hunt that can be easily implemented in your neighborhood, local park, or on a nature trail. Free printable is included.
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Learning to Count

Take a Counting Walk

This is a fun way to get some fresh air and practice counting real objects. This activity also works on recognizing numbers.
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DIY Foam Counting Train

One of our all time favorites! Bring counting with you to the tub!
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Read Picture Books about Counting

There are a ton of fun ones, but our top 10 counting children’s books are listed in this post.
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Number Recognition with Dominoes

This activity uses two of our favorite math materials – Dominoes and Counting Rocks!
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Learn about Patterns

5 Ways to Make Patterns Outside

Head into the backyard to try one or all of these movement and play based ideas for learning about patterns.
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Press Here Game

This game is so unique and wonderful for identifying, creating, and extending patterns.
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5 Math + Movement Games to Play While You Wait

Here are some zero to low prep games you can do anywhere. They cover counting, number recognition, patterns and more.
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5 Zero Prep Number Activities for Preschool

This is a collection of fun hands on math activities that are super easy to do without tons of prep time and complicated materials. They work on patterns and more.
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Go on a Patterns Hunt

Read the beautiful picture book Look by Gabi Snyder and then go for a patterns walk. This book encourages you to look all around you for the natural patterns in our world. Use this inspiration to go on a hunt together. Draw or take photos or just talk about the patterns that you find. See if you can find some of the same patterns that she describes in her book.
Find the Book Here

A-Z Play at Home

This post is part of the blog hop and series on playing and learning at home. Below are more ideas for the letter M.

Exploring Magnets with Cranes + Trains – Bambini Travel

Minion Playdough – Teach Me Mommy

Mud Kitchen Play – The Gingerbread House

Messy Minion Sensory Play – Adventures and Play

Moon Footprints Sensory Play – Line Upon Line Learning

Mud Sensory Play: The Ultimate Play Date – The Jenny Evolution

Moana Inspired Curriculum Ideas – Bambini Travel

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