Preschool Math: Building on the Light Table

I find myself obsessed with preschool math and science activities.

When I was a preschool teacher, I found math and science were tricky to add to our classroom environment.  But, I learned that sometimes you just have to know what you are looking for.  Block building and observing nature are simple ways to get kids excited about preschool math and science.  Today, I’m thrilled to share how a light table, some play dough and straws got both of my kids begging for preschool math at home!

My son (who is only 15 months) cried when I put the straws away.  I was amazed with how much he loved this activity like his older, four-year-old sister.  The best part is that it took only minutes to set up and it was easy to clean- up, too <—that’s a win!

Materials for Preschool Math on the Light Table

• Light Table
• Straws
• Playdough
• Scissors

Cut up straws into even sizes (I made the mistake of eye balling my cuts and it was hard to build with).  Make small play dough balls and encourage kids to build by connecting the straws with clumps of dough.

My daughter started making flags immediately by placing clumps of dough on the light table and sticking straws upright in the dough.

She added play dough on top of the straws to complete her flags.  These flags quickly transformed into triangles, rectangles, and even a large circle with a cross shaped flag in the middle <—did you noticed those preschool math concepts?!  Basic shape recognition and construction is the perfect way to sneak in some learning with any activity!

Note: Be watchful with babies who are still mouthing and may eat the play dough!

My son needed to be in his high chair while he worked, so he didn’t use the light table like his sister.  Clearly, he wasn’t making shapes, but I was amazed with how focused he was as he placed straws in and out of the play dough.  Like I mentioned before, he cried hysterically when this was done because he was in absolute heaven with this simple activity.

I have a feeling I’ll be woken up early tomorrow morning with something like, “can we play play dough now?!?”  Excuse me while I make my way to bed…

But, before you go, be sure to check out the other posts in this series to see other ways you can build and construct with light:

Building 3D Shapes in Windows from And Next Comes L

Building with Recycled Materials on the Light Table from Still Playing School

Exploring Symmetry: Building with Rainbow Blocks on a Mirror from Where Imagination Grows