The Preschool Math Center: Ideas to Engage, Ignite & Inspire

Foundational math concepts and skills are learned in the Preschool Math Center. So this is where children learn about numbers, counting, shapes, and more through games and engaging activities.

Setting Up a Preschool Math Center

First of all, your math center should be clearly defined in your classroom. For example, the focus of my preschool math center is the number line.  For that reason, I have numbers 0-20 at eye level featured prominently. Consequently, we use the number line as a reference many times in a given week. Another important element is visible shapes posters bordering the math center. Similarly, you will find a well-stocked shelf of manipulatives and center activities.

Math Center Materials

There are a lot of math center materials that will help in setting up your classroom.  Thus, a well-stocked math center will create opportunities for learning math concepts.  Because putting it all together can be a little tricky, start small. For that reason, begin by collecting a few multi-purpose items that you can use for many different activities.

You will find that a great place to start is your local Dollar store. While at the Dollar store, you will probably find dice, manipulatives, sorting trays, flashcards, and other useful center supplies. Therefore, by adding a few more items you will be well on your way to creating an awesome math center. As a result, with just a few key items you can create fun math centers and games. Some of my most-used favorites are listed below.

• Manipulatives (for counting games etc.)
• Unifix Cubes
• 2D Shapes
• 3D Shapes
• Spinners
• Dice
• Number
• Cubes
• Flashcards
• Clothespins
• Dominoes
• Markers and Crayons

Because the same math concepts are taught and reviewed many times over during the year you will want to vary your activities.  For that reason, you should have many different activities for the following preschool math concepts. (to name a few)

Ideas and Concepts

• Sorting
• Patterning
• Counting
• Shapes
• Graphing
• Measuring
• Numeral Writing
• Numeral Identification
• One to One Correspondence
• Ordinal Numbers

Finally, remember to keep it developmentally appropriate. Because learning foundational math skills is so important, know your class! So, teach to their level and let them feel successful. Above all, as with every learning center, make it fun for you, and the kids will have a blast!