Exciting Math Activities for Toddlers

Building a foundation for math starts early! These easy math activities for toddlers can double as preschool math activities and help develop essential skills through play. They are designed to be simple and engaging for little ones, focusing on hands-on learning and exploration.

So, forget the worksheets and flashcards! Check out these play-based ways to introduce easy math skills to toddlers and preschoolers.

child playing with a set of blocks during toddler math activities

It’s so important to introduce little ones to basic math—it helps them grow and get ready for school, but more importantly, it can be really fun for them!

The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

The best math activities for toddlers focus on building a basic understanding of numbers, counting, shapes, patterns, and comparisons. From circle time songs to catchy counting picture books and creative pretend play, this post has loads of ideas on how to teach toddlers math skills in a real-life, fun, and developmentally appropriate way.

We also have toddler letter recognition activities, too!

How to Teach Math to Toddlers

The key is to make math fun and engaging through play, songs, books, and hands-on activities. Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore new concepts when presented in a simple, enjoyable way.

The goal is to nurture their interest in math, not force difficult lessons too early.

Simple counting games, singing number songs, reading interactive math books, and noticing shapes, sizes, and patterns in everyday life are easy ways to help toddlers grasp early math concepts.

Where are you going to find all of these teaching ideas for toddler math? Right here in this blog post. They are an amazing precursor to teaching pre-k math and a wonderful preparation to my Daily Lessons in Preschool Math Curriculum.

How Can I Teach My Two-Year-Old Math?

Even at two years old, toddlers can learn basic math concepts through play and everyday activities. Making math a part of daily conversation and play will naturally build their math language, understanding, and problem-solving.

Basic Math Concepts for Toddlers

  • Count Objects: Count out loud to model counting when reading books, setting the table, or playing with toys. Emphasize the last number reached as the total number (“1, 2, 3… 3 chocolate chips!”). We love these counting cookies!
  • Compare Quantities: Use comparison words like more, less, bigger, and smaller.
    • Example: “You have more blocks than me!”
  • Talk about Shapes: Point out shapes you see around the house and outside. Focus on circles, squares, and triangles. Let them feel the shapes of objects. This shape puzzle is a must-have!
  • Sort Objects: Sort by color, size, and type.
  • Describe Positions: Use position words like up, down, over, under, beside.
    • Example: “The cat is under the table.”
  • Do Puzzles: Working with simple puzzles helps develop spatial reasoning. We love this set of puzzles for toddlers.
  • Identify Patterns: Point out patterns on clothes and objects around the home.
    • Example: ABA, ABB, ABC patterns.
child playing with a set of blocks during toddler math activities with teacher

How High Should a Two-year-old Count?

By age 2, toddlers are just beginning to grasp the basics of counting. While some exceptional toddlers can count to 10 or 20, most two-year-olds can only count to 3 or 5.

Counting at this age is about more than rote memorization. It’s about grasping that numbers have meaning and laying the foundation for math concepts they will learn later on.

Check out this list of toddler and preschool math toys.

How Can I Teach My Three-Year-Old Math?

Three-year-olds are becoming more aware of numbers and quantities, and they’re ready for more structured (but still playful!) math learning. Continuing to incorporate math into daily conversations and play is key, but you can also introduce slightly more complex activities that build on their growing understanding.

Basic Math Concepts for Three-Year-Olds

  • Counting Objects with One-to-One Correspondence: Continue counting objects, but now focus on one-to-one correspondence (one number for each object). Have them touch each object as they count.
    • Start with smaller sets (up to 5 or 10) and gradually increase.
    • Example: When setting the table, have them count out one fork for each person.
  • Recognizing Numerals: Introduce the written numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). Use number flashcards, write numbers in sand or playdough, or point them out in books and around the house.
    • Example: Show them the number 3 and then count three blocks to match.
  • Comparing Quantities (More/Less/Same): Continue using comparison words, but introduce the concept of “same” or “equal.”
    • Example: “You have two cars, and I have two cars. We have the same number of cars!”
  • Identifying and Naming Shapes: Expand beyond basic shapes to include more complex shapes like rectangles, ovals, and diamonds (rhombuses).
    • Example: Point out a rectangular door or an oval mirror.
  • Sorting and Classifying: Introduce more complex sorting activities. Sort by multiple attributes (e.g., sort by color and then by size).
    • Example: Sort toys by color and then within each color group, sort by size.
  • Understanding Spatial Relationships: Continue using positional words, but introduce more complex concepts like “between,” “next to,” and “in front of/behind.”
    • Example: “The toy is between the chair and the table.”
  • Working with Simple Puzzles and Building Blocks: Continue with puzzles, but introduce puzzles with more pieces or more complex designs. Building with blocks helps develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
    • Example: Introduce puzzles with 12-24 pieces or encourage building structures with specific requirements.
  • Recognizing and Extending Simple Patterns: Introduce simple patterns and encourage them to predict what comes next.
    • Example: Use beads, blocks, or stickers to create simple patterns like ABAB or AABB and ask, “What comes next?”

Remember to keep the activities fun, engaging, and age-appropriate. Learning should be a positive experience!

child putting together a number during toddler math activities

How High Should a Three-Year-Old Count?

While there’s no strict rule for how high a three-year-old should count, here’s a general guideline based on typical development:

Most three-year-olds can:

  • Rote count to 10: This means they can recite the numbers in order from 1 to 10, even if they don’t fully grasp the concept of quantity.
  • Count objects up to 5 (with one-to-one correspondence): This means they can accurately count a small group of objects, touching or pointing to each object as they say the corresponding number.

Some three-year-olds may:

  • Rote count to 20 or beyond: With practice and exposure, some children may be able to recite numbers higher than 10.
  • Count objects up to 10: Some children may be able to accurately count larger groups of objects.
  • Recognize some numerals (1-9): They might start to associate the written symbol with the quantity.
child counting sticks during toddler math activities

Important Considerations About Toddlers Learning to Count:

  • Focus on understanding, not just reciting: It’s more important for a three-year-old to understand the concept of quantity and one-to-one correspondence than to simply memorize a long string of numbers.
  • Every child develops at their own pace: There’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal” development. Don’t worry if your child isn’t counting as high as other children their age.
  • Make it fun and engaging: Use games, songs, and everyday activities to make counting enjoyable. This will encourage their natural curiosity and make learning more effective.

Remember to be patient and supportive, and celebrate their progress along the way.

Read this: Hands-on Counting Activities for Preschool Math.

Play-based Math Activities for Toddlers

Play is ideal for toddlers to develop early math skills. Through fun, hands-on activities and games, toddlers can begin to understand important concepts like counting, shapes, sizes, patterns, and more.

Sing math songs

Another way of introducing numbers and counting to toddlers is through fun and simple math songs. Singing together is a great way to bond with your toddler, and adding simple math songs will help them learn early math concepts. To make it extra fun, try using hand motions or props!

Here are some favorite YouTube math songs to sing with your toddler:

The Ants Go Marching One by One

This classic song is a favorite for a reason. With its catchy tune and repetitive verses (one by one, two by two!), it helps little ones practice counting and following along. The silly actions for the “little one” (who might stop to suck their thumb or climb a tree!) add a layer of fun.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

This playful song encourages counting down (from five to zero) while following a silly story. Preschoolers will love acting out the monkeys jumping on the bed (and falling off!), Mama calling the doctor, and the doctor (sometimes!) joining in the fun. It’s a great way to practice counting, following directions, and using their imaginations!

Five Little Ducks

Sing about the mama duck sending her five ducklings “over the hill and far away,” then waiting for them to return one by one. Preschoolers will enjoy the suspenseful build-up as the number of returning ducks decreases. Don’t worry, though, by the end, all five little ducks (and a relieved mama!) are back together.

It’s a perfect song for practicing counting backwards and forwards, while fostering a love for simple stories and rhymes.

Ten in the Bed

This silly song is a counting adventure that goes backwards. Starting with ten sleepy friends all snuggled in a bed, one by one they decide to “roll over,” causing one to tumble out! Preschoolers will be captivated as the number of friends in the bed decreases with each verse, all while practicing counting down from ten to zero.

How Many Fingers

Wiggle those fingers and sing along to “How Many Fingers?”! This interactive song is a great way to introduce young learners to counting their fingers and hands. With its simple lyrics (“How many fingers on one hand? Let’s all count together!”) and catchy tune, preschoolers will be eager to participate. The song encourages them to hold up fingers as they sing, building recognition of numbers one through five.

Math Books for Toddlers

Reading interactive math books with your toddler is a great way to introduce early math skills in a fun way. Look for books with rhymes, songs, textures to touch, flaps to lift, and questions to encourage participation. 

Some great math concept books to try with your two-year-old include:

Sale
Ten Black Dots
  • Crews, Donald (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages – 09/21/1995 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)
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One Duck Stuck: A Mucky Ducky Counting Book
  • Phyllis Root (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 40 Pages – 03/01/2003 (Publication Date) – Candlewick (Publisher)
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My Very First Book of Shapes
  • Can you find what is round? What is square?
  • In this timeless new split-pageboard book, children can find the bottom half of a page that matches…
  • Find the right pairs, and you will learn to identify all kinds of shapes.
Inch by Inch
  • Lionni, Leo (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages – 09/21/1995 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
Teddy Bear Patterns (McGrath Math)
  • McGrath, Barbara Barbieri (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages – 02/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Charlesbridge (Publisher)
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Sort it Out! (Arbordale Collection)
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Barbara Mariconda (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Reading these interactive concept books together builds early numeracy skills while keeping your toddler engaged and learning through play.

Toddler Math Activities

Toddlers can start learning foundational math through simple activities at home. Remember to make these activities fun and exciting for toddlers. 

Here are a few math activities to try with your toddler:

Toddler Math Toys

When choosing toys to nurture your toddler’s budding math skills, prioritize safety and engagement. Look for toys with large, chunky pieces that can’t be swallowed, with smooth, rounded edges. Opt for brightly colored and visually appealing toys made from non-toxic materials like wood or washable plastic.

In terms of function, toys that encourage sorting, matching, or basic counting through play are great choices. Remember, the best math toys for toddlers will be those that spark their curiosity and make learning numbers fun!

Learning Resources Smart Snacks Shape Sorting…
  • DEVELOP FINE MOTOR SKILLS: Match the colorful cupcake tops to their bottoms
  • PLAY & LEARN: Improve color and shape identification
  • Set includes – plastic pan and eight 2-part cupcakes
Learning Toys for 1,2,3 Year Old Toddlers, 20Pcs Farm…
  • Farm Animals Toy Set: Our toddler preschool learning toys contain 20 pieces,10 farm animals and 10…
  • Develop Fine Motor Skills: Each small animal can be played as a finger puppet toy, the bottom hole…
  • Montessori Learning Toys: Kids can know and learn about 10 different farm animals and identify their…
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Learning Resources Take 10! Shape Finder Cookies, Early…
  • Encourage early learning of shapes, colors and counting with this cute cookie-themed game
  • Helps build vocabulary and sensory motor skills, too
  • Has multiple game-play options that all take under 10 minutes to complete
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Learning Resources Smart Counting Cookies – 13 Pieces,…
  • Children learn to recognize, count, and compare numbers with soft, plastic Counting Cookies
  • The cookies have raised chocolate chips so children can use their sense of touch to count how many…
  • Set includes plastic cookie jar containing 11 cookies with numerals 0-10 printed on the bottom and…

Math activities for toddlers are a fun and engaging way to support early learning and development. Toddlers can build critical foundational math skills while having fun by singing, counting songs, reading math books, and playing games involving numbers, colors, and shapes.

Some key math concepts to focus on with toddlers are numbers and counting, recognizing shapes, identifying colors, sorting, and matching. Leveraging play-based activities takes advantage of this curiosity to support math learning through songs, books, simple games, puzzles, and hands-on exploration.

It’s important not to push toddlers too hard in math but keep activities light, fun, and developmentally appropriate.

The goal is to foster positive associations with math concepts. Simple activities incorporated into everyday routines help toddlers incrementally develop early numeracy, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition skills. Parents can make math learning joyful for toddlers with patience and creativity, setting them up for continued achievement.

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