Learning Math Through Play
Children learn math through everyday experiences.
National standards in mathematics describe what
children should learn in preschool. The key components
of math include:
1. Number Concepts:
 Rote counting - memorization of sequence of
numbers (songs, fingerplays)
 One-to-one correspondence – counting one
number for one object and seeing a numeral
and associating with objects.
 Recognitions numbers – number symbols
2. Patterns and Relationships – regular arrangements of
objects, shapes, or numbers. For preschoolers, the
goal is to recognize and analyze simple patterns, copy
them, create them, and make predictions about them
by extending them.
3. Geometry – learning about shapes and characteristics
of shapes.
4. Measurement – children learn measurement from
opportunities to use material and participate in
hands-on activities. Children learn concepts – longer,
shorter, heavier, lighter, faster, and slower. Children
use :
 Standard measures – rulers, scales, measuring
cup and spoon, scales, thermometers.
 Non-standard measures – using hands, feet,
string, bears, etc.
5. Classification, Sorting and Matching – group or
separate things into categories.
6. Ordering (seriation) – ordering things in a sequence
that leads gradually from the smallest to the biggest.
7. Graphing – is a direct extension of sorting and
classifying. As a visual representation of data, it helps
children see relationships. Graphing is a way for
children to display many different kinds of
information in different forms.