This preschool Valentine’s counting activity practices number sense by asking children to touch each object as they count. We want our preschoolers to have hands-on math learning experiences to get a solid foundation of each number amount in various ways.
Incorporating this Valentine’s theme into early math games helps! It creates interest and ambition to get started. Not to mention memory matching games are a hit.
RELATED: Valentine’s activities can be so much fun for kids. Here are 40 Valentine’s day activities for kids.
Math needs to be fun.
I know that can sound cliche. But imagine going to 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. Use this book list to bring math back to life from NAEYC.
Counting activities need to bring a little joy to learning number sense! When you are finished playing this game, be sure to come back to number roll and drop using paper tubes.
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 preschool math toys to familiarize your child 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+ activities for kids at home everyone will enjoy!
What memory and math games teach kids
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 child safety scissors. Yep, this is how my brain works best. Preschool activities are my bread and butter.
Supplies
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Construction Paper
Use this pack with several Valentine’s or math counting games you find at Days with Grey.
Washable Markers
A fresh pack of markers that I keep for myself and remember to put the lids back on? Yes, please.
Child Scissors
These scissors have worked well for our family over the years.
How to make this preschool Valentine’s counting activity
- 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 heart number matches. – The number dots look similar to those on dice or dominoes.
- Turn the 12 hearts upside down and mix them up.
- Begin to find number matches.
Different ages and stages to play
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.
You can even play this Valentine’s game in a variety of ways:
Kickstart your morning routine with play.
PDF Startup Guide – A road map for executing mornings anchored in play, discovery, and learning.
PDF Activity Cards Set One and Two – Breakfast Invitations are play-based, hands-on, and designed with an intentional introduction to learning through play.
FAQ
The basics of numerical math stem from number recognition and learning how to count. These engaging counting activities involve fun ways to introduce numbers.
When learning is playful, children are more likely to take risks. The more risks, the more connections are made in the brain. As children repeat play patterns and take risks, they strengthen their intelligence. We want to make math approachable, enjoyable, and enough of a challenge that keeps children thinking and building on prior knowledge.
Inside this post of 40 math activities for kids, you will find play-based, hands-on math activities for preschoolers. Kids learn by practicing counting, graphing, measuring, learning shapes, and sorting through play. These are the best math activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
