Early math activities for toddlers do not begin with just learning numbers. They also begin with learning shapes, patterns and even colours.

Here is a fun early math activity for toddlers and preschoolers using buttons and one of my favorite materials contact paper!

Looking for more activities using contact paper? Check out this AMAZING ROUNDUP!

Here’s How to Make Your Button Sticky Arm and Shape Match

Gather all of your supplies. Use the sharpie to trace around all the different button shapes. To do this, hold the buttons on the cardboard tubes and trace around it.

Grab your contact paper. Lay the cardboard tube down on the contact paper and wrap it around the tube.

TIP: Cut out the contact paper slightly larger than the tube that way you wont need to use tape to secure the contact paper to the tube.

Peel the paper backing off the contact paper and wrap it around the cardboard tube with the sticky side facing out. Over lap the contact paper slightly in order to secure it to the tube.

Sticky Paper Arm

Slip the cardboard tube over your little one’s arm and invite them to match the buttons to the correct shape on the cardboard tube.

The buttons will stick to the contact paper. Have them turn their arm around to reach all the shapes.

Other Ways to Play

There are so many ways to modify this activity to meet your learning goals!

First, you can just make the sticky arm and have your toddler stick buttons all over it. Next, make another sticky arm with the shape outlines and this time have them match the buttons with their shapes. Finally, you can also do this activity where you match colours instead of shapes!

Fine Motor Fun

This was a great fine motor early math activity for toddlers! It was also a fun and new way to use contact paper!

Supplies

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• Con-Tact Brand Paper
• Cardboard Tubes
• Buttons in Different Shapes
• Sharpie
• Scissors

WILL YOU TRY BUTTON STICKY ARM AND SHAPE MATCHING WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE? Pin it for Later!