Let’s hear it for the preschool toy graph! You know it! Graphs take sorting to another level. This primary color toy graph is colorful, inviting, and packed with early math foundation skills that our preschoolers can use after he fully understands how to sort by color.
And you know what? We don’t need much to get started. We can make some pretty awesome preschool activities with white paper, markers, and a small collection of toys. If you are looking for preschool math activities, you’ve come to the right corner of the web!
Why is graphing important to preschoolers?
Graphing introduces these foundational math skills to children:
RELATED: Want to begin your day with play? Us too. These simple activities are the best!
Who has time to search for ideas?
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How do you teach preschoolers graphing?
- First, introduce and practice color sorting.
- Next, make a simple graph using large white paper and markers, allowing the preschooler to graph three colors.
- Show the child the graph. Ask, what do you notice?
- Point to the bottom row on the graph. Ask the preschooler what do think these colored blocks mean.
- Point to the rows and columns in the graph and show how one object fits in each section.
- Invite the preschooler to begin sorting the toys into onto the graph. Use phrases such as how many more, how many less, and total amounts.
What I notice as my preschooler graphs
As my five-year-old sorts and stacks, he radiates with confidence.
This primary color toy graph takes something he does well (color sorting) and adds another level (comparing total amounts) to make a winning preschool math activity!
My preschooler dove in because he felt self-assured and extended upon his ideas because he was ready to take a risk. This combination will help him take his learning to the next level and be open to new concepts.
We can do this with dozens of objects we already own, just like we did with this sock graph!
RELATED: Have you seen our Big Kid Activity Cards?
Supplies
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Grasping objects such as these toys improve fine motor strength. Pretty cool, right?
White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
Washable Markers
Share these markers with your kids, or keep them for yourself. I am not one to judge; I like my own pack too.
Setting up this preschool toy graph
- Gather a few red, yellow, and blue toys.
- Tape the white paper down on the table.
- Add columns and rows.
- Color in the bottom boxes with the colors needed for the graph.
- Invite your child to graph the toys.
PRO TIP: Make sure you don’t have more objects than spaces available in the graph. If your graph only goes to eight, ensure you have eight or fewer of that color.
What to say as your child graphs
When my five-year-old finished graphing, I was able to prompt him to introduce some bigger math concepts.
- How many red toys do you have on your graph?
- How many yellow toys do you have on your graph?
- What is the total amount of toys you graphed altogether?
- Let’s count the blue toys. Let’s count the yellow toys. How many more blue toys do we have than yellow?
Watch your preschooler and take them where they want to go. If willing, continue to build on more graphing prompts. If your preschooler begins to shut down, allow them the space they need knowing you planted the seed and introduced a new math skill they will see again.
Remember, younger children can begin with this easy primary color sorting activity first! If you have a kindergartener, you need activities for ages 5-7.
Big Kid Activity Cards
Because our big kids crave hands-on learning, too!
20 hands-on activities for ages 5.5-8 years old.
FAQ
Math activities for preschoolers can include 1. measure magnetic tiles 2. sort shapes 3. graph toys 4. dice games 5. play cards 6. make ten frames 7. put dot stickers on a grid 8. sort spoons by size 9. paint shapes 10. count objects 11. play DIY board games 12. sort coins 13. build 3D shapes with play dough 14. add dominoes 15. make a number line with shoes 16. sort stickers by big and small 16. color sort paint swatches 17. measure kids with blocks
Keep learning intentional (know WHY your actions are important) and playful. Think about what your child enjoys and create fun math games using favorite toys. If your child loves race cars, use them to color, sort, and count. If your child enjoys blocks, use the blocks to measure, sort, stack, and graph.
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.
