Present simple, sturdy puzzles. If making puzzles for toddlers, use durable materials like thick construction paper. Teachers can make puzzles by simply cutting pictures in half using uneven lines and then laminating the pieces to make them last longer.
Place measuring cups and spoons of various sizes in addition to small scales and rulers at the sensory table. Rotate materials that will be sifted, measured and weighed according to themes, including acorns or pine cones in the fall and beans or seeds in the spring. Reinforce learning by observing and announcing what the children are doing, such as "That quarter cup holds fewer beans than the half cup."
Introduce items that children can match. Use photos of nurses, firefighters or police officers that older infants pair with the building or work environment where the work is performed. Trace templates of shapes on a piece of paper, like forks and spoons, and have children match cutouts of the same shapes and sizes.
Point out and verbally call attention to the shape of items found in the classroom, including blocks. Have older infants decorate a variety of geometrical shapes using paints, crayons or chalk. Display differently shaped art in separate areas to reinforce classification math skills.
Count out loud whenever possible. If placing cups on the table, count. Watch infants as they stack blocks or carry books and announce, "You have two books" or "You had two books and you put one back. Now you have one book." Making up songs to familiar melodies and using tried-and-true songs like "This Old Man" or "Six Little Ducks" are surefire ways to keep infants engaged while learning math basics.