Does it matter if you use math toys and games for preschool and kindergarten? Teaching math can be so much easier when you use toys! They can learn numbers, counting, shapes, sorting, and more with simple games and activities. My 4 kids all used math toys and games when learning the basics.
As I homeschooled Dax preschool, I could see how much he thrived with multi-sensory learning. We used the same math materials Marco and Vida had played with (although they attended preschool outside of the home), and added on more. And then even more with Viggo. When you see methods work, stick with them!
Keep this in mind - my opinion that these are the best math toys and games just means that these are the ones (or some version of) I needed in my arsenal. There are soooo many fun games available! I've added one of those "extra" at the bottom so you know what I'm talking about.
And....so the total equals 13, because that's my lucky number. Yes, everything about me is backwards.
Now read on to find the Best Math Toys and Games for Preschool and Kindergarten!#1Â Â These Linking Cubes are a main staple of any math toy collection. They're so simple, but so useful! They can be used to practice counting, but really find their time to shine with addition and subtraction.
 If you're unsure if this should be considered a toy, ask your child to put these away, and then see the weapon they've built with them 15 minutes later. Seriously, had me sleeping with one eye open more than once.
Great to use with my math packs!
#2Â Â Oh, the bears! So much to do with such a simple set. Sorting, patterning, counting, and bonus of fine motor skills practice! These Rainbow Counting Bears did not make it easily out of our house. Every time I set them out to give away, somebody would start messing with them. One of the kids, me, another kid.... I think I even saw one of the dogs using them once.
I really should get more sleep.
#3Â Â I've been a huge Melissa and Doug fan since we bought Marco his first puzzle. Everything they make is high quality. This set of Self-Correcting Wooden Number Puzzles is no exception. This covers matching, counting, and numbers. My favorite part is the wooden box with slide-in lid that the pieces get stored in!
#4Â Â This next activity can also be used so many ways! Sorting the sticks into color groups, matching number of sticks to number block, and very visual, hands on demonstration of adding and subtracting. So many things you can do! And this has lasted us for years. The downside? For some reason I hate the name. Intelligence Sticks? Ugh. Just seems like a stretch. Like if we see our child make 2 groups of 2, we'll know they're a genius.
#5Â Â This Mini Motor Math Activity Set was a favorite with Viggo. It's great for number recognition, counting, sorting, addition, and subtraction. It has an activity guide with different ideas for how to use the set. But what I (and Viggo) loved about this one was that he could take what was in front of him and make up games and activities of his own! I feel like this really uses the "learn by doing" approach, and then takes it up another level.
#6Â Â These Jumbo Foam Dice have been in our house a loooong time. How they haven't been chewed up by dogs (or kids) by this point...... Anyway, these go beyond math games, which has been a huge plus. Obviously, the dice are great for counting, and adding or subtracting, or printable board games. But, we still use them for other games when working on reading and speech with Viggo!
#7Â Â Connect Four is such a classic. And there's a number right in the title! It oddly says 6 and up on the box. Obviously the chips are a choking hazard. As are a lot of game pieces for kids! So play at your own risk?? But this is great practice with counting items!
#8  I have to tell you that this is not the balance we used (and honestly still sometimes use for demonstration purposes). But if I had seen this, it would've been mine - so cute! Ours is plain. Bright colors, which look totally boring next to this Frog Balance. Booooooo! 
  Although our Bucket Balance is probably sturdier.
#9 You might already have one of these, maybe that came with a shopping set? I found that even the older kids loved throwing random items in the little plastic cart, and then paying at the Cash Register. I would put these little price tags on household things, and let them add it up before they checked out. For the little ones, 1-5 cents on everything did the job. At the register, they could practice coin types and values. If an older sibling wanted to play, I'd mark up some "products" higher, and then give them a budget. They need to learn that early!
#10 Wooden pattern blocks are such a cool way to practice shapes. This Tangram Shape Puzzle set comes with cards to inspire creations, but kids can also do wonders on their own!
#11 If you want to focus on number recognition, this is a game that can be enjoyed with the entire family. There is an alphabet version of this Number Bingo Game, too! 
#12You have to pick at least one card game! These Slap Jack cards are actually 4 different activities to practice counting and number recognition.
#13 How cute is this? Counting Chickens is all about moving forward along the spaces. Perfect counting practice! A big plus about a game like this is that it's short. In other words, ideal for kids who get frustrated with long games!
I really hope you found my suggestions helpful if you're just getting started with your collection of math toys and games. Many of these can be used alongside my numbers and math worksheet packs. Check them out in my store!
Would you like to share any thoughts on this?