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These magnetic boards are great for the home or classroom. The set includes five magnetic boards, 55 counters in five different colors and two dry erase markers. On each board, an equation can be written at the bottom and students can fill the counters with the corresponding numbers to get the sum or difference. In this hands-on and visual way, young children ages 3 and up can start to gain an understanding of introductory math concepts. The magnets are fun to play with, the colors are engaging and kids can practice new equations every time.
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These linking cubes are perfect for helping students conceptualize math in a hands-on way. There are 100 blocks in 10 different colors that make pleasing popping noises when attached and pulled apart. The blocks are perfect for visually adding and subtracting blocks of different colors, or sorting and counting them by color. Students can even build their own creations to enhance their motor skills and creativity when not using them for a math or counting assignment.
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As they sort the colorful butterflies into coordinating petal containers, children have the opportunity to learn valuable skills, including counting, pattern recognition and addition. The containers can also be locked together to create a fun flower puzzle. This is a great toy for children to use on their own or in groups as they work together to solve problems. The set also includes a book of activities that will give children new challenges to master as they grow.
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With multiple awards to back it up, including Product of the Year and Game of the Year in 2017 from Creative Child Magazine, Academics’ Choice Brain Toy Award and more, Math for Love’s Tiny Polka Dot is an excellent choice for kids. Developed by mathematicians, Tiny Polka Dot is actually 16 games in one, with challenges as simple as matching dots to help with basic counting skills to building a “number pyramid” to learn addition and logic. One of the great things about this set is how easy it is to adjust depending on a child’s needs and individual learning level so they do not feel either overwhelmed or under-challenged. In particular, this is a good option for developing number fluency in younger children. Tiny Polka Dot has so many different play options that it can keep children engaged for long stretches of time.
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One of the highlights of this innovative puzzle is that it is self-correcting, allowing children to count the items on one piece and match it to the corresponding number on another. Only the correct pieces fit together, so kids have the chance to get it right every time. This can be a confidence booster for kids learning number recognition and counting. As an added bonus, the act of putting the puzzle pieces together is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills for little ones. Over time, this puzzle can help children’s memory skills as they begin to recognize the pieces that fit together and the numbers that match the sets of objects.
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Each card comes labeled with a number and different colored dots that help children to visualize the number on the card. The dots can also aid in counting. The lightweight design makes the cards an easy fit for tiny hands while the magnetic backing allows them to stick to any metal surface, such as a whiteboard or fridge. The set includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division symbols, which are great practice for your child as they move from learning counting skills through basic grade-school mathematics. These cards will help budding mathematicians learn the basics of counting and can also help children as they advance their math skills.
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This game offers cute bears in a rainbow spectrum of colors that can be sorted into cups. Parents and caretakers can design different activities using these bears to teach children a range of skills. One of the great things about this particular set is that children have the ability to work alone or in teams to meet their objectives. Younger children can work in teams as they divide up the colored bears by color or pattern, while older children can use the bears to engage in more advanced counting techniques. This is a terrific game that offers different types of learning-centered play, which is beneficial for children ages 3 years and older.
Expert Commentary
“When teaching early math skills, sorting and tweezer games typically come first,” Emily Lehman, a licensed teacher and the mother of two young girls, says. “The thought is to combine number recognition, learning to count and fine-motor development. Math games should be fun and offer children a chance to play while learning. Sometimes it helps if you let your child explore the game on their own prior to jumping right into the activity. This allows you to focus on the skill you are teaching when it is time to learn.”