Want to help your preschooler with math? Try Heart Match and Count!
Preschoolers need math activities to encourage number sense. We do this by asking our children to touch each object as they count. Heart Match and Count is an excellent way to reinforce these skills!
We want our preschoolers to have hands-on learning experiences now so that they can get a solid foundation of what each number amount looks like in a variety of ways.
Incorporating this Valentine theme into early math games helps! It creates interest and ambition to get started. This preschool math activity is an ideal Breakfast Invitation for February!
RELATED: Want hands-on learning and not sure where to start? Our Startup Guide will get you going!
Math needs to be fun.
I know that can sound cliche. But imagine going into work every day, sitting down, and completing a giant workbook.
Would you want to come back tomorrow?
Let’s change what we are doing with our preschool math activities and encourage more guided play to inspire conversation and enjoyment as our preschoolers learn.
RELATED: Bring math to life with this fantastic book list from NAEYC.
How do you teach math to your preschooler?
- Begin with numbers 1-3. Once mastered, move to numbers 1-5. Continue to 1-8, then 1-10.
- Work at your preschooler’s pace.
- Have “number toys” for your child to become familiar with each number symbol’s design and shape.
- Include objects for your preschooler to move as he counts.
- Encourage preschoolers to touch the objects as they count.
- Cheer your child on as they progress through learning.
RELATED: 50+ kid activities at home you will love!
This math activity has my preschooler matching numbers as he challenges his memory.
What a winning combination!
Memory and recognition games help with critical thinking, sharpen problem-solving, and enhances visual perception. These are life skills that we want to practice many times.
…and to think all of this begins with some pink construction paper and a pair of scissors.
Let’s set this Valentine math activity up!
Days with Grey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
- Construction paper
- Markers – we LOVE this 40 pack
- Child scissors
Fold 12 pieces of pink paper in half. You don’t have to use all 12 sheets of paper if you are creative with your heart placement before cutting.
Cut out a total of 12 hearts.
Make six number matches. – Try making the number dots look similar to how they appear on dice or dominoes.
My four-year-old is working on numbers 5-10, so I wanted to include them in this math activity. Remember, all little learners work at their own pace. Stay where your preschooler is to help meet their learning needs.
Turn the 12 hearts upside down and mix them up.
Begin to find number matches. Memory matching games are our absolute favorite!
You can even play this game in a variety of ways.
Play Heart Match and Count with a sibling to encourage collaboration and taking turns, alone, or with your child as you drink your morning coffee!
Looking for more fun Valentine’s Day activities?
When will you play this hands-on math activity with your preschooler?
