Recycle a bake pan from the kitchen for a fun math activity. A muffin pan becomes a simple prop for counting and sorting pompoms.
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It’s easy to repurpose a household object like a bake pan for an early learning math activity!
This colorful math play can easily be provided with a recycled bake pan and some pompoms. Using real life objects allows us to support the development of math skills with readily available, no-cost tools.
A sorting activity supports hands-on play with colorful objects like pompoms. This type of interaction engages the senses – as kids choose fuzzy, colorful pompoms – as it builds fine motor and cognitive skills – as kids sort pompoms into the muffin cups.
Activities like this help kids begin to identify and name colors and numbers. Grab a muffin pan from the kitchen to get started!
Muffin Pan Math
Here’s what you need for a muffin pan sorting activity.
- regular muffin pan
- small muffin pan
- pompoms
- self-adhesive dots and letters of the alphabet (affiliate links)
Preschool math games with a bake pan
1.Graphing
Prepare your muffin pan.
- Place self-stick dots along the bottom.
- Place self-stick numerals along the side.
- Fill a container with colorful pompoms.
Set out the materials and invite your preschooler to play. Allow time for your child to explore the materials and make decisions on how the play will proceed.
Guide the play with open-ended questions or comments.
How many yellow pompoms do you have?
Can you fill a row with red pompoms?
2. Sorting
Set up the cupcake pan as shown in the photo.
Match the number of pompoms in each color to the quantity indicated by the numeral on the side of the pan.
How to make foam numerals.
If you find some of the numerals missing from your sticker book, it’s easy to make the numerals you need.
- Slide a piece of craft foam under the spaces where the original numerals were.
- Trace the shape of the numerals onto the craft foam with a pencil.
- Cut out the numerals from the craft foam.
Fun math play
Child-led math play can easily be included in your daily schedule with materials you have on hand.
These activities are easy to set up and fun for early learners. Make this activity accessible for independent play time as well as a small group activity.
Build early counting and sorting skills, as well number recognition with activities that are hands-on and interactive, but most of all, fun!
Related: Preschool Math Play Everyday
