Mathematics in Early Years: Learning Numbers and Shapes Through Play
- Orsolya Majoros
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
This week at nursery, our learning focus was mathematics in Early Years, explored through practical, playful experiences that helped children make sense of numbers, shapes, and patterns in meaningful ways. In line with the EYFS, our activities supported children to develop strong foundations in early mathematical thinking through movement, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Mathematics in Early Years through shape and number play
In our preschool room, mathematics came to life through creativity and imagination. One of the children’s favourite activities was Shape City, where masking tape was used to create different 2D-shaped roads on the floor. The children confidently named the shapes and drove their Matchbox cars along the roads, combining shape recognition with imaginative play. Activities like this support the EYFS area of Mathematics while also encouraging communication, cooperation, and problem-solving 🚗🔺.
The children explored shapes further by matching 2D plastic shapes to their silhouettes and by pairing small and large versions of the same shapes. These activities helped develop visual discrimination and an understanding of size and comparison.
They also practised sequencing by ordering number blocks correctly, strengthening early number recognition and counting skills.
Maths was also woven into games and movement. During the Roll and Duck race, children rolled a dice and moved their ducks forward along a Numicon road depending on the number rolled. They counted carefully, took turns, and celebrated reaching the finish line first. This game supported counting, number recognition, and early addition, while also developing patience and social skills 🎲🦆.
Fine motor skills were developed alongside number learning as the children traced numerals using paint and cotton buds, and later traced plastic numbers in a sensory tray. These activities supported number formation while strengthening hand control and coordination. The children also created pictures using glue and cut-out 2D shapes, reinforcing shape recognition through creative expression.
Outdoors, mathematics continued in active and engaging ways. The children hunted for shapes in the garden, matching 2D plastic shapes to chalked shapes on the ground.
They also practised counting while skipping along a number ladder, combining physical movement with number sequencing — a lovely way to support both Mathematics and Physical Development 🌿.
Early mathematical exploration in the baby room
Our baby room children also enjoyed age-appropriate mathematical exploration. They used bingo dabbers to colour in large 2D shapes on big sheets of paper laid out on the floor, developing early shape awareness and hand control.
Transparent coloured blocks allowed the babies to explore different 2D shapes through touch, sight, and stacking, supporting sensory exploration and curiosity.
The babies were also introduced to numbers and counting using an ICT toy — a battery-operated counting dinosaur. This playful experience supported early number awareness, cause and effect, and engagement with technology, linking to Understanding the World 🦖.
Across the nursery, mathematics was explored as part of everyday play — not as worksheets or pressure, but as something active, social, and enjoyable. By embedding mathematics in Early Years into meaningful experiences, we help children build confidence, curiosity, and a positive attitude towards maths that will support them well beyond nursery.
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