Familiarize yourself with developmental milestones in math for preschoolers. Before you can create games, you must have a clear understanding of the sequence of skill development in the various areas of math. Math learning includes patterning, numeracy, classification, comparison, and problem solving. Each of these areas has a developmental sequence. Design games that will challenge but not frustrate the young learners so they will be motivated to practice instead of intimidated or frustrated. If you create games that meet children's current learning needs, the children will be more motivated to play and benefit from them.
Create games by setting up a problem to be solved or a goal to be achieved. If the goal is related to math concepts, then the game will help children learn about math. For example, a game that challenges players to collect the greatest number of items relies on counting or one-to-one correspondence. A challenge to build the tallest block tower relies on measurement and comparison skills.
Encourage active math play by creating games that involve moving around the room, jumping or exercising or transporting items from place to place. Sorting and classifying games can be created where the items involved are scattered around the play area and the sorting area is across the room. Children must run to gather up the items, bring them to the sorting area and put them in the correct bin to score points. Set up an obstacle course with exercise stations to encourage counting skills and build understanding of faster and slower.
Use quieter, less-stimulating games to build math skills, too. Board games with movements controlled by dice or spinners build counting and number recognition skills. Bingo and lotto games can be devised to develop number recognition, counting and even simple addition and subtraction skills. These can easily be made on poster board with markers. Make card games to help children learn opposites, match similar shapes, and order graduated sizes. Put the desired content on blank playing cards and pattern the games after common childhood pastimes such as "Go Fish," "Memory" or "Old Maid."