Collection of Hands-on Preschool Math

Over the years, we’ve done a lot of preschool math, may it be Montessori, Montessori-inspired or just any spontaneous activity I could think of.  And just like most of you, this is one of the subject that young Mavi was not giddy about.  This can be overwhelming to little children, thus finding it hard to enjoy math activities.  But through the philosophies of Maria Montessori (which I implemented at home), and with the inspiration that I get from homeschooling Mommies, we were able to surpass that stage with flying colours.

So I compiled the math activities that Mavi loved and enjoyed. These activities are suitable for children from 3 years old and above.  We use  A lot of manipulatives, both purchased and homemade. They were all worth-it, for the time I’ve spent creating materials and the amount of money I invested. 

Learning How to Measure.

Learning how to Tell Time

Learning about Money (Euro Coins)

Learning how to Count 0  to 9

Popsicle Stick Shapes
Cards and Counters using Cut-out Leaves (Fall activity)

Tally Fingers and Cards
Cards and Counters with Number Ordering

Basic Addition for Preschoolers

Grid Games and Do a Dot Markers

Dinosaur Grid Game

Skip Counting and Patterning

Counting by Tens

Toddler Counting Activities

Antarctic Themed Math

Learning about Sets

Introduction to Ordinal Numbers

Counting to 100 Using DIY Hundred Board

More math activities in Pinterest board
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Working with Small Spaces for Toddlers

Punched holes on the lid of an empty canister and made Vito drop craft sticks in it.  This is a simple and easy to prepare activity for hand and eye coordination.

Tried and Tested: Fraction Pies

Obviously, I love math materials.  Through the years, I’ve been collecting a few, just to give my boys’ learning a boost because hands-on math is totally rocks!  Now, I don’t usually give reviews because I have high standards LOL.  I’m frugal that’s why every cent I spend means a lot to me.  The cost must justify the quality of products. 

Anyway, I have two sets of fractions pies.  The first one is  the soft foam fraction pies from Singapore’s Learning Store which my cousin gave to me a few years ago.  I totally LOVE this.  The pies are huge, it’s the size of my hand, magnetic, sturdy, has a label, with bright colours and it comes with tub (with handle!).

Now, this year, I ordered another set from Learning Resources via Amazon.  I love Learning Resources! Most of my materials are from them, so I was expecting this fraction pies to be of equal  with the ones I got from Singapore.  BUT, I was tremendously disappointed.  When I opened it, I wanted to throw it right away into the bin LOL.  They are tiny plastic tiles and comes with a case that is sooo hard to open.  When I checked the pies, they  don’t have labels either so it is very difficult to identify each of them (unless you are so good in visual that you know that it’s 1/10 right away!).  Because the are so tiny, slippery and sharp on the edges, I couldn’t fit them back in the tiny case.  So I just packed them immediately, covered in newspaper (so no one will get hurt due to sharp edges) and kept them in the storage.  I wonder when will it see the light of day.

See the size difference? And just look at the containers.  I swear, the ones from Singapore are much more cheaper!

And here’s the side.  The pieces are so thin! So hard to put back together 

I couldn’t find the EXACT product our foam pies in Amazon but here are the ones I saw closest to it:

• Foam Fraction Pies Teacher Created Resources.  A little bit small, but they are made of foam and affordable.
• Educational Insights Foam Magnetic Circles.  The pies are big, according to Amazon, “Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.3 x 2.4 inches ; 2.5 pounds”
• Lakeshore Learning Giant Magnetic Fraction Circles and Bars.  The circle is “5 3/4"

And that’s about it!  Watch out for my fraction activity… will try to create learning materials and share it with you. 

Have a good day everyone

FREE Multiplication Booklets

We are currently using these multiplication booklets with our Montessori Multiplication Bead Board.  There are three booklets: