Preschool Math Concepts List
It is important that children can get a good grasp of math early on, and having a preschool math concepts list can be super helpful for parents and teachers. When paired with easy and effective preschool math activities, your math lesson planning will be that much easier!
A math concepts list for preschool provides guidance and can help you introduce skills in a structured and relevant way. With a well-organized approach, you can confidently support early math development, and help instill confidence and a joy of learning in your preschoolers. Math can (and should!) be fun, especially in these young years that are filled with exploration and wonder.
For parents and teachers, a comprehensive preschool math concepts list serves as an invaluable tool, providing a roadmap for introducing and reinforcing essential mathematical ideas. When this list is combined with engaging preschool math activities, lesson planning becomes significantly easier and more impactful.
The best part? You can grab a free preschool math skills checklist from the end of this post!
Instead of haphazardly incorporating math into the day, a well-defined list ensures that key concepts are addressed systematically. This organized approach can help you confidently support the development of early math skills, knowing you are building a solid foundation for your kiddos. Your preschoolers will gain a deeper understanding of mathematical principles, while you have a clear framework to guide instruction and assess your children’s progress.
Ultimately, a well-planned approach to preschool math helps ensure that your preschoolers are getting what they need, when they need it.
Be sure to check out our Daily Lessons in Preschool Mathematics Curriculum! This complete and comprehensive curriculum is an invaluable resource that will guide you seamlessly through the year. It ensures fun, hands-on learning, while taking all the guesswork out of your planning!
Read this:
The Five Disciplines of Mathematics for Preschoolers
Let’s explore the five key math areas that are essential for preschoolers. It can be tricky to know exactly which math skills to focus on with young children, so we’ve broken it down for you.
Here are the five main areas of math learning:
Number Sense
Number sense is the foundation of early math learning, helping preschoolers understand numbers and their relationships. Key skills include:
- Recognizing and naming numbers
- Counting objects with one-to-one correspondence
- Understanding more, less, and equal
- Identifying basic patterns in numbers
- Comparing quantities (e.g., bigger/smaller, more/less)
Measurement
Measurement introduces preschoolers to the concept of size, weight, and time. Skills in this area include:
- Understanding basic size comparisons
- Comparing and ordering objects by length, height, or weight
- Using non-standard units (e.g., blocks, hands) to measure objects
- Understanding basic time concepts like morning, afternoon, and night
- Exploring capacity with pouring and filling activities
Geometry
Geometry helps children recognize and describe shapes and spatial relationships. Preschoolers develop skills such as:
- Identifying basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, and more)
- Sorting and classifying shapes by attributes
- Understanding positional words (above, below, next to, behind)
- Creating simple patterns and designs with shapes
Algebra (Patterns & Relationships)
Early algebra focuses on recognizing patterns and relationships in numbers and objects. Key skills include:
- Identifying, copying, and extending patterns (e.g., ABAB, AAB)
- Sorting objects by size, color, or type
- Understanding simple cause-and-effect relationships
- Recognizing how numbers and objects relate to one another
Data Analysis
Data analysis introduces children to organizing and interpreting information. Preschoolers develop skills such as:
- Sorting objects into categories
- Creating and reading simple graphs with pictures or objects
- Making comparisons based on collected data (e.g., which group has more?)
- Answering basic questions about data (e.g., “How many red blocks do we have?”)
These five math disciplines work together to build a strong foundation in mathematical understanding in a fun and engaging way!
Preschool Math Concepts Lists and Units
Math concepts can also be referred to as skills that children develop as they engage with math activities.
Here are the most important foundational math skills that preschoolers should know:
Counting and Recognizing Numbers
Counting isn’t just rote memorization. It’s about understanding quantity, order, and the relationship between numbers. One-to-one correspondence (knowing that one number represents one object) is a crucial early math concept.
- Counting 0-5. This is the foundational stage of counting, where children learn to recognize and count small quantities. They begin to understand the meaning of each number from zero to five.
- Learn about our Counting 0-5 Lesson Plans for Preschoolers.
- Counting 0-10. Building upon the 0-5 range, counting from 0 to 10 is a crucial next step in developing number sense. Children should begin to better grasp the concept of number order and further refine their understanding of one-to-one correspondence.
- Learn about our Counting 0-10 Lesson Plans for Preschoolers.
- Counting 0-20. Extending counting skills to 20 expands children’s familiarity with number sequences and further develops their understanding of numbers beyond ten. This stage also subtly introduces the concept of place value as they encounter two-digit numbers for the first time.
- Learn about our Counting 0-20 Lesson Plans for Preschoolers.
- Example activities
- Counting objects: Count toys, snacks, or fingers.
- Number games: Play simple board games or card games that involve counting.
- Counting songs and rhymes: Sing counting songs like “Five Little Ducks” or “The Ants Go Marching” to make counting extra fun and memorable.
- Number recognition: Point out numbers in books, on signs, and around the house.
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Counting Preschool Lesson Plans.
Comparing and Sorting
Preschoolers need to compare objects by size, color, shape, or other attributes. When children look at different toys or items, they start to recognize similarities and differences which is an important skill for development. These skills are essential for problem-solving and critical thinking.
Example activities
- Sorting toys: Sort toys by color, shape, or size.
- Comparing objects: Compare the length of two pencils or the weight of two blocks.
- “I Spy” games: Play “I Spy” using descriptive words like “I spy something round” or “I spy something blue.”
- Sorting snacks: Sort snacks into different bowls based on type or color.
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Comparing and Sorting Preschool Lesson Plans.
Shapes
Shape recognition is important for spatial reasoning and visual perception. It helps children understand how objects are constructed and how they relate to each other in space.
Example activities
- Shape sorting: Sort blocks or other objects by shape or other attributes.
- Shape hunts: Look for shapes in the environment (e.g., “Can you find a circle in the room?”).
- Shape puzzles: Shape puzzles and creating shape pictures is fun and engaging for preschoolers.
- Drawing shapes: Draw shapes in the air or on paper.
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Shapes Preschool Lesson Plans.
Positions & Patterns
Understanding spatial relationships and patterns is crucial for developing spatial reasoning skills and mathematical thinking. Patterns are the foundation for algebra. These skills help children understand how things are organized in space and how events unfold in a sequence.
Example Activities
- Following directions: Give simple directions using positional words (e.g., “Put the toy under the table”).
- Building with blocks: Build structures using blocks and describe the positions of the blocks.
- Pattern blocks: Pattern blocks can be used to make patterns, create pictures, designs and more!
- Storytelling with sequences: Tell stories that involve a sequence of events (e.g., “first, next, last”).
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Positions and Patterns Preschool Lesson Plans.
Measurement
Measurement helps children understand the attributes of objects and how to quantify them. Early measurement experiences should be informal and hands-on. The focus is on comparing and exploring, not on using standard units.
Example Activities
- Measuring with blocks: Measure the length of a table using blocks.
- Comparing heights: Compare the heights of different objects.
- Weighing objects: Weigh objects using a balance scale or more informally by feeling and comparing their weights in your hands.
- Filling containers: Fill containers with water or sand and compare their capacities.
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Measurement Preschool Lesson Plans.
Graphing
Graphing introduces children to data analysis and representation. It helps them organize information and draw conclusions. Simple graphs like pictographs and bar charts make data visual and easy to understand.
Example Activities
- Sorting and graphing activities : One fun way to sort and graph data is to sort toys by color and then create a graph to show how many of each color there are.
- Graphing favorite snacks: Ask children about their favorite snacks and create a graph to show the results.
- Classroom surveys: Conduct simple surveys and graph the results.
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Graphing Preschool Lesson Plans.
Adding & Subtracting
Addition and subtraction skills are essential for solving math problems and understanding number relationships. Early addition and subtraction should be taught using concrete objects and visual representations. The focus is on understanding the concepts of combining and taking away.
Example Activities:
- Using manipulatives: Use toys, blocks, or counters to act out addition and subtraction problems.
- Drawing pictures: Draw pictures to represent addition and subtraction problems.
- Story problems: Create simple story problems that involve addition and subtraction. Bonus if you have the kids act these out!
- Finger counting: Use fingers to count and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.
Grab this: Daily Lessons in Addition and Subtraction Preschool Lesson Plans.
Teaching Tips and Activities for Each Unit
Making math stick isn’t just about doing math every day; it’s about teaching math intentionally. When you use the right approach, teaching math becomes easier and more enjoyable for both you and your child. Here’s how to make math learning truly effective:
- Follow a systematic curriculum
- A well-designed curriculum, like the one from Stay at Home Educator, provides a framework for teaching math concepts in a fun and effective way. It takes the guesswork out of what to teach and when.
- Hands-On Tools
- Kids learn best by doing! Manipulatives like blocks, counters, and puzzles make math interactive and engaging. These hands-on tools allow preschoolers to explore math concepts in a tangible way, making learning more concrete and memorable.
- Integrating Math in Daily Routines
- Weave math into your daily routines! Counting steps, measuring playdough, and sorting toys turn everyday activities into natural math lessons. Consistent exposure helps children become comfortable with math and appreciate its relevance in their lives.
- Encouraging Math Talk
- Simple conversations can make a big difference. Asking questions like “Which is taller?” or “Can you find a round object?” encourages children to think mathematically and use math vocabulary. It helps them connect math concepts to the world around them.
FAQ About Preschool Math Concepts List
The key is to keep it light, fun, and engaging! Short activities based on their interests are the best way to go. Let them explore and learn at their own pace, and never pressure them.
Patience and repetition are your best tools. Try explaining the concept in different ways, and always incorporate hands-on play. Often, a different approach can make all the difference.
Typical development in preschool includes recognizing numbers, sorting objects, and basic counting skills. If you have any specific concerns, talk to your child’s pediatrician or early childhood educator. They can provide personalized guidance.
A comprehensive preschool math concepts list is a helpful tool that gives you a clear direction in teaching math to your preschoolers. We hope you find this list to be an invaluable resource as you guide your preschoolers through the wonderful world of math!
Teaching math in a systematic way and through fun, hands-on activities involving numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement builds a strong foundation for future success. By creating a playful learning environment in the classroom and at home, you can help build confidence and inspire a lifelong appreciation for math.
I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
