Introduction
Early math activities don't need to be worksheets or flashcards. With simple open-ended toys like the Maison Rue Translucent Ines Blocks, children can explore foundational math concepts through hands-on play.
This easy activity introduces color sorting, counting, and early addition, helping children naturally build number sense while they play.
Perfect for preschoolers and kindergarten learners, this activity adapts as your child grows.
Materials
Maison Rue Translucent Ines Blocks
A flat surface or mirror tray
Optional: small bowls or containers
Step 1: Color Sorting
Begin by spreading all the Ines Blocks on the table.
Invite your child to separate the blocks by color.
You can guide them with simple prompts like:
“Can you find all the blue blocks?”
“Let’s make a pile for each color.”
“Which pile has the most?”
This activity helps children practice:
Color recognition
Visual sorting
Categorization skills
Sorting is one of the first mathematical thinking skills children develop.
Step 2: Counting with Blocks
Once the colors are sorted, use the blocks for counting.
You can count each pile together:
“Let’s count the yellow blocks!”
Line the blocks up like a number train to make counting easier.
Older preschoolers can practice:
Counting to 10
Counting to 20
Counting large quantities like 100 pieces
Children begin connecting numbers with physical quantities, an essential step in developing number sense.
Step 3: First Addition
For children ready for simple math, turn the blocks into addition tools.
Example:
Take 2 red blocks and 3 blue blocks.
Ask:
“How many blocks do we have altogether?”
Let them combine the groups and count.
This introduces:
Basic addition
Problem solving
Visual math learning
Because the blocks are physical objects, children can see the math happening.
Why Learning Math Through Play Works
Hands-on play helps children understand abstract ideas like numbers and quantities.
Using blocks to explore math encourages:
Critical thinking
Pattern recognition
Early STEM learning
Confidence with numbers
Best of all, it keeps learning joyful.
Extend the Activity
Try these variations:
Create simple number patterns
Build towers of 10 blocks each
Sort by color and size
Race to count the fastest pile
The same blocks can grow with your child as their math skills develop. You can find further ways to develop early math in our activity library. You can also read more about how open-ended toys build early math skills in our journal.
