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Introducing early math concepts to toddlers helps prepare them for preschool and beyond. Even before they turn 2, toddlers can practice necessary math skills in creative and engaging ways. Discover how to add some math-related activities to your toddler’s day with these tips.

Preschool Math Ideas for Toddlers

1. Look For Everyday Counting Opportunities

Counting is a fundamental math skill, and one of the first ones your toddler will develop. Practicing counting to 10 is easy to incorporate into everyday life. Count the stairs out loud when you’re walking up and down them. Sort toys like blocks or craft supplies like crayons and count them out. Fill a bin with small toys and work with your child to count how many toys are in the bin.

2. Encourage Shape Recognition

preschoolUnderstanding shapes is another important math concept. Shape sorter toys are an easy way to learn how to identify shapes. However, if you don’t have one, there are other fun ways to promote learning. Cut different shapes out of colorful construction paper and go over them with your child. Point out different shapes you see around town. When you’re driving, ask your child to look find a circle or square. Once your toddler is ready, you can put this learning to practice and work on drawing shapes.

3. Size Recognition

Make playing with toys educational by teaching your toddler how to identify different sizes. Select a few toys, and explain to your toddler, which one is the biggest and which one is the smallest. Compare length and width. Over time, your toddler will be able to make these distinctions on their own.

4. Identify Patterns

Understanding patterns is another early math skill that toddlers can develop. Make patterns using blocks, crayons, or pictures. Talk to your toddler about the type of pattern you see. Point out patterns in everyday life as well to reinforce this concept.

5. Play With Your Food

Make math fun by using snacks as a way to learn. You can use small foods like crackers or raisins, and encourage toddlers to count their snacks, sort different types of food, or identify their shapes. This simple activity makes snack time educational.



To develop your toddler’s math skills, even more, enroll at Lucky Lane Nursery School, located in Creve Coeur and serving Town and Country, Chesterfield, and Maryland Heights in the St. Louis, Missouri area. This nonprofit preschool follows an integrated thematic curriculum that incorporates science, art, dramatic play, and sensory tables into daily lessons. This all-day program offers a morning and afternoon curriculum, lunch, and before and aftercare. To schedule a visit, call (314) 434-4462 or learn more about available classes on the website.

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