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Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out how to teach your preschooler basic math skills. There are workbooks galore that offer different preschooler math activities, but many of them are just that: workbooks. How many 3-4 year olds do you know that want to sit down and actually work in a workbook?

Many preschool math skills are difficult to recognize as math skills: shapes, sorting, and size. I will offer activities that your preschooler will enjoy, and won't even realize he's learning!

Shapes

Start with basic shapes: square, triangle and circle. These are probably the most basic shapes your child should learn first. Once these are mastered, get into rectangles, diamonds, etc. But for the basic shapes, you can try these preschooler math activities.

If your preschooler eats sandwiches for lunch, alternate between cutting their sandwich into squares and triangles, giving them the choice. My 3 year old loves doing this!

When you're reading a book, going for a walk, playing with toys, just about anything, point out the shapes in the objects around him. For example, look at the square window, or the tires on your car are circles.

Childrens' games such as Candyland are great for shapes AND colors. Have your child tell you what shape the color is in on the cards.

Sorting

Sorting is an important preschool math skill. It teaches a child how to differentiate between objects, which is one of the first steps to logical thinking. (It's also a great way to keep your child busy and learning at the same time!) Here are a couple of ideas for preschool math activities:

>li>Grab a couple of handfuls of loose change, and give your child 4 containers. Have them sort the change into separate piles.

• Another great preschool math activity can occur at snacktime. If your child snacks on animal crackers, M&M's, Skittles, colored Goldfish, anything with different shapes or colors, have them sort them into different shapes/colors/sizes.


• If your preschooler is anything like mine, he'll love to color. You can have him sort out the colors, or put them in a certain order (such as a rainbow).

Size

Size, or measuring, is another preschool math skill your child will need to learn. This can include telling the difference between larger, smaller, etc. or arranging objects according to size.

For preschool math activities, there are several different ways to teach your preschooler measuring skills. If your child is sorting money, you can discuss the different sizes, and discuss with him which ones are bigger than the others.

In everyday conversation, introduce the concept: "You are bigger than your baby sister" or "Our car is smaller than that truck" or (if your child is like my son) "Look at the big truck!"

When reading your child a story, introduce these same concepts. "Look at how big Clifford is!" or "Are real birds as big as Big Bird?"

If you know of any other preschooler math activities that are fun for preschoolers, please let me know!