Early Math for Toddlers & Preschoolers

This is a great early math and fine motor skill activity for toddlers and preschoolers. It is also a fun way to introduce patterns to your toddlers and a fun way to practice patterns with your preschooler.

But the best part of all is that it combines my toddler’s two favourite things finger painting and dot stickers!

Supplies:

• Circle stickers (or Color Coding Labels)
• Washable finger paint
• Paper

Set up:

First, set out your finger paints. The paint colours that you use should match the colours of your dot stickers. Next, create simple ABAB or ABCABC patterns (depending on the age of your little one) using the dot stickers.

If you are working on just two colours patterns then you can have them use two different fingers to paint. If you used three colours to make a pattern then have them stick their thumb into the third colour.

Show Your Child What To Do First

If you are introducing patterns for the first time to your toddler or preschooler be sure to model how to do this activity first. Ask them what is the first colour, then you dip your finger into that colour paint and make a fingerprint underneath that dot stickers. Do a few more, asking your toddler or preschooler questions as you go along, until your feel they understands what to do or they start begging you to give them a turn!

Introducing Patterns to Toddlers & Preschooler

If you are looking to introduce patterns to your 2 or 3 year old, start by first showing them the patterns that exist all around them! For instance, talk about the pattern in their clothing, or make a simple pattern with their food or highlight patterns you notice while out for walk.

Mess is ok!

Remember this isn’t a piece of art work and if mistakes are made that’s OK! Simply ask them if they think that is correct and then gently correct them. They can make the correction underneath!

Free Paint Time!

The best part about this activity is that when they have completed all the patterns they can have fun with the finger paints!