Early Maths Through Play: How We Introduce Maths Concepts in Fun, Everyday Ways

For many parents, the word "maths" brings back memories of times tables and worksheets — but in the early years, maths is far more playful, natural, and even musical than you might imagine!

At Magnolia Tree Day Nursery, we believe that early maths learning should be woven into children’s everyday experiences — not just during "lesson time," but throughout play, routines, and exploration. And the best part? Your child is probably learning maths without even realising it.

Here’s how we introduce key maths concepts in ways that feel joyful, hands-on, and age-appropriate.

Songs and Rhymes: Counting With Confidence

You’ve probably heard your child singing “Five Little Ducks” or “Ten Green Bottles” — these catchy tunes aren’t just fun, they’re fantastic for early numeracy.

Songs and rhymes help children:

• Count forwards and backwards

• Recognise number order

• Understand the concept of taking away or adding one

• Build rhythm and memory skills

We regularly use songs during transitions (like tidy-up time or lining up), turning everyday moments into fun maths opportunities.

Counting in Daily Routines

Maths pops up naturally throughout the day — and we use those moments to gently reinforce number concepts.

• Counting cups at snack time

• Sharing out blocks or toys equally

• Matching socks or shoes

• Talking about “more” and “less” during play

This kind of real-world maths helps children understand numbers in a practical, meaningful way — not just as abstract symbols.

Mark-Making and Maths Language

Before children start writing numerals or solving equations, they begin by exploring mark-making — using crayons, paintbrushes, sticks in mud, or even their fingers in sand.

Through this creative process, they:

• Learn about shapes and patterns

• Begin to form number shapes

• Explore early measurement and comparison (e.g. “This line is longer!”)

• Develop the fine motor skills needed for future writing

We also introduce key maths language like “big”, “small”, “tall”, “short”, “near”, “far”, “heavy”, and “light” as we play.

Building Blocks, Puzzles & Sorting

Open-ended resources like building blocks, shape sorters, and loose parts naturally encourage spatial awareness, problem-solving, and sorting skills — all essential building blocks for mathematical thinking.

You might hear us asking questions like:

• “Which tower is taller?”

• “Can you find a piece that’s the same shape?”

• “What comes next in your pattern?”

These gentle prompts help children begin to think like mathematicians — through play, exploration, and discovery.

Why Play-Based Maths Matters

In the early years, maths isn’t about getting the ‘right answer’ — it’s about developing curiosity, confidence, and a sense of number, pattern, and space.

By experiencing maths in fun, meaningful ways, children are far more likely to:

• Feel confident around numbers

• Make connections between maths and real life

• Develop a positive attitude toward learning

And when the time comes for more formal maths in school, they’ll have a strong, playful foundation to build on.

Final Thoughts

So the next time your child is counting stairs on the way to bed, lining up their toy animals, or enthusiastically singing about speckled frogs — know that they’re not just playing.

They’re engaging in rich, powerful learning that helps them make sense of the world — one number, one song, one scribble at a time.

At Magnolia Tree Day Nursery we’re proud to support early maths in ways that feel joyful, active, and full of wonder. Because that’s where the real learning lives.