Today we have a list of math toys that are some fun occupational therapy toys that build math skills. In OT sessions, we might not teach math, specifically, but we do support individuals in IADLs such as cooking, balancing a budget, shopping, and safety (among every other area of living!). And guess what, each of these areas require a knowledge and use of math!
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WHy Math Toys?
So when math impacts function and safety, occupational therapists might come up with adaptations and modifications for the functional task. However, we can also recommend PLAY (another functional area!) as a tool to develop and target the area of math so the individual can function.
In the schools, occupaitonal therapists support the education of students. When specific math toys might build on underlying areas through movement, OTs might recommend a specific toy.
These math toy suggestions can work for educators and parents looking for multisensory learning, as well!
Math toys support fine motor STEM skills. More schools and curriculum are incorporating STEM and STEM lessons into the school environment, and math is an essential piece of that equation. Occupational therapy can appreciate this because STEM and STEAM also involves fine motor skills!
If we can combine math skills with play, AND developing areas such as working memory and fine motor skills, we have a powerful math toy!
After a long day of school, kids just do not want to practice more math facts. Their brains are exhausted from being “on” all day, and they need to relax with movement and fun. But sometimes, kids need extra help with practicing math concepts. So, how can you work on important skills when the kids are just over memorizing math facts and flashcards?
Math Toys
You play! These are the best toys and games that build math skills and are not only fun, they are going to work on math concepts. These math activities are playful and fun and will help with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, sequencing, patterns, money, and time. We’ve got math games to fit all ages and stages. These are the toys I’m looking at this year and have more than a few on my shopping list!
Math Toys and Games
(affiliate link) is a fast paced money counting game. It’s a Best Toy award winner and on our list this Christmas!Pattern Games and Toys
(affiliate link) is a fun patterning and counting book. It’s hands on learning in a bright and colorful book. Use Baby Bear Counters
(affiliate link) with the book. Although, my kids are fond of using Teddy Graham Crackers
(affiliate link)with this book, too!Sequencing Games and Toys
(affiliate link) for it’s fine motor and extended wrist components! Kids can work on first, second, third sequencing terms while threading beads and also patterns with this wooden toy.Counting and Number Toys and Games
One of my favorite math (and fine motor) recommendations is Avalanche Fruit Stand Game
Learning Resources One To Ten Counting Cans
is perfect for preschoolers who are learning one-to-one correspondence, number identification, and counting skills.
Every child loves cookies. This Counting Cookies
game builds basic math counting skills with cookies and a cookie jar.
Mini Muffin Match Up
Shape Identification Toys and Games
This Shape Sorting Cupcakes
is another preschool game that will work on beginning math skills. Kids can practice shape identification while practicing fine motor skills.
Addition and Subtraction Games and Toys
(affiliate link) helps kids with mental math and subsidizing. Dice games are a favorite in our house and there is a reason why: Kids love to throw dice! But what they don’t know is that when they are counting and adding the numbers on the die, they are practicing basic math skills.Monopoly Junior
(affiliate link) is great for kids aged 5-8. We just recently started playing Monopoly to work on addition and subtraction and it’s a hit!Multiplication and Division Toys
(affiliate link) uses colorful tiles and requires players to figure out multiples of the number on the die.Say Cheese
Time Telling Toys
(affiliate link) is a great beginner time telling tool and is perfect for a bedside clock for kids! (This is totally another gift I’m getting my kids this year!) We’ve got this Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock
(affiliate link)and love it for the shape puzzle and for teaching time telling concepts.
Fractions Math Toys
Learning Resources Pizza Fraction Fun
Work on more fraction skills with Fractions Bingo Game
Did you find some new gift ideas? What is on your shopping list this year?
