Wood Blocks Math Activity for Preschoolers
Kids can paint small blocks of wood for matching games. Have fun with simple math play with wooden blocks. Options are included in this post for different ages and skill levels, so everyone can have fun with these activities.
This post contains affiliate links. See our full disclosure.
Wood blocks are one of the simplest yet most beneficial options for everyday play. With no instructions required and no results expected, they support fine motor and imaginative play.
Related: Benefits of Block Play
Natural materials like wood provide opportunities for kids to explore the world around them. A set of wooden blocks is easy to store, and inspires hands-on engagement. Keep a supply accessible in a box or basket for independent play.
Along with sorting and building activities, blocks are also fun to use in painting activities.
You can easily make a set of wood blocks in a variety of shapes and sizes to start some hands-on creative play. We saved scraps of wood from a renovation project. The wood pieces only need some sanding to remove rough edges or splinters. For an option to purchase online, these plain wooden blocks are a similar shape to the ones used in this post.
Early math with wood blocks
The wood blocks can be painted, or left plain and unfinished, for a variety of games and activities.
The painted rectangular blocks used in this activity resemble dominoes. These are perfect for fun math games.
Materials list
- small wooden blocks
The blocks in this tutorial measure 1.5 x 3 inches ( 3.5 x 8 cm)
Instructions for wood blocks math activity
1. Paint the blocks.
Paint some blocks a solid color.
Divide some blocks in half length-wise with a marker, then paint each side a different color.
2. Play matching games.
1. Sort single-color blocks by color.
2. Make simple patterns with single-color blocks such as red - blue - red.
3. Match multi-colored blocks end to end.
4. Stack blocks one on top of the other. Create towers, bridges, houses.
5. Combine single-color and multi-color blocks in a long line.
Block play supports kids overall cognitive development with hands-on learning experiences. When kids engage in child-led play they are exercising decision-making and fine motor skills as well as building imaginations!
More Painting Activities with Wood Blocks