Introduce preschoolers to the concept of measuring. They are probably familiar with bigger and smaller. Take that concept to a higher level by giving them several objects to measure with a ruler or piece of string. Provide preschoolers with blocks. Ask them to build a tower as tall as the ruler or piece of string. This requires estimating and testing to see if they have placed too many or not enough blocks on their tower until they have it just right.
Have preschoolers practice number recognition, counting and fine motor skills with a birthday cake project. Start with a box decorated to look like a birthday cake. A cookie tin, thick piece of wood, or shoe box will all work. Spray paint or cover with paper scraps to decorate. Poke ten holes on the top of the cake.
Make birthday cards on pieces of card stock. Write a number from 1 to 10 on each card. Have the child pick a card, read the number on the card, and then place that number of birthday candles on the cake. Use real candles or small dowels painted to look like candles.
Sorting is a math concept that can be practiced with a muffin tin and beans or poker chips. Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners. Write a number on each cupcake liner. Provide beans or poker chips for the preschooler to count and place the right amount in each cup. Have the numbers go in order from 1 to 10 or mix them up.
Make a cereal abacus to help preschoolers practice counting and introduce the concept of addition and subtraction. Build the abacus from a shoe box with floral wire and O-shaped cereal. Put five evenly spaced holes along either side of the box. Thread the wire through to make five rows. String ten pieces of O-shaped cereal on each row. Secure the wire on either side with duct tape. Help preschoolers reinforce counting skills and introduce addition and subtraction by moving the cereal counters back and forth.