Tag Archive for: Play-based Learning

Play is the foundation of early learning. Long before children read their first word or solve their first math problem, they learn through hands-on exploration — building, pretending, creating, moving, experimenting, asking questions, and interacting with others.  

When children play, their brains form the pathways that support language, memory, problem-solving, motor development, and social-emotional growth. 

This resources article brings together 50+ developmentally meaningful activities across every early learning domain — from art and math to science, cooking, literacy, social-emotional learning, and motor development.  

Each activity is simple to set up at home and includes age adaptations for 2, 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, making learning inclusive for all stages of preschool. 

Explore the categories below to find engaging, play-based experiences tailored to your child’s interests and developmental needs.

All Free Activities For Kids By Subject:

mom and son on computer fifty activities for kids free learning tools and resources

Free Learning Tools and Resources for Kids 

As a parent and/or teacher, you no doubt want to provide quality education for your children. Believe it or not, there are hundreds of learning tools for kids of all ages available. However, with so many options, it can be close to impossible to find quality learning tools that are not only educational but fun and enjoyable for children. In the end, you want to cultivate a love of learning in your children rather than force education on them. 

Whether your child is an infant, in preschool, attending kindergarten, or enrolled in elementary school, there are learning tools available that are tailored to their needs. If your child needs to catch up on a certain subject or simply get ahead in another, check out our comprehensive educational guide for children! 

Learning Tools for Kids 

Basic learning tools are great resources to simply get children excited about learning. Any of these resources will no doubt help to stimulate their young minds and get them involved in their lessons. Keep reading to find the top learning tools for kids! 

TedEd – If you have ideas worth spreading, TedEd is the most popular platform for kids of all ages to create and learn! 

Khan Academy – An educational website for every student in every type of classroom. Their mission is to provide a free, exceptional class education for anyone and everyone. 

Time4Learning – This online education platform is perfect for students at any grade level. They even offer help with kids that are homeschooled. 

Time4Writing – Have a child that is homeschooled? This website is perfect to alleviate the stress of grading papers and assignments because here they provide you with actual teachers to grade papers. 

Glogster – This is a learning platform that strives to empower kids to express themselves and their knowledge through this online multimedia digital poster. 

Proprofs – Ready to test your knowledge? Proprofs enables you to make quizzes with over 100k easy to use templates. 

PBS Kids – A highly interactive website, your child gets access to games, videos and other animated cartoon characters great for young children. 

Educational Videos for Kids 

Videos are great learning tools because they give a visual representation of what is being discussed. When children watch videos, they are more likely to remember what they learned and be engaged in the topics. Check out these top educational videos for kids! 

WatchKnowLearn – From language arts to technology, this tool offers free educational videos in all subjects. 

LearningGamesForKids – Focused on kids in elementary school, this curriculum helps children build a strong foundation in education through informative videos! 

StoryBots – Enter a world of learning and fun with StoryBots. They have award-winning content that allows users to stream videos from a variety of websites, providing content that’s easy to access. 

Turtle Diary – Turtle Diary is where interactive activities meet educational videos. They focus on making learning tough subjects fun! 

Learning Station Music – Learning Station utilizes music to teach children fundamental lessons in child development. From alphabet songs to number songs, your options are limitless. 

National Geographic Kids – NatGeo Kids covers all topics concerning geography and wildlife. Their categories include animals and exploration with interactive games and quizzes. 

Educational Videos and Games For Toddlers 

As with kids, toddlers are often enraptured with television. They love watching little cartoon characters go on adventures. So why not make sure those videos are educational? Here are the top resources for finding educational videos for toddlers! 

Muslim Kids – Targeted to Muslim children, this website helps kids learn English in a safe way. This includes videos tailored to children, providing high-quality, value-based programs. 

Common Sense Media – This is a non-profit organization that provides education and advocacy for families to promote safe technology and media for children of all ages. 

Sheppard Software – With this website, hundreds of free and convenient online learning games are available for kids. 

PBS Kids Games – This resource offers educational games in various subjects, such as math to science, giving your kids an endless selection of fun! PBS offers a fun way to learn new subjects through games and online activities. 

Mr. Nussabaum – This educational website is a tool for parents to use with their children. It is a great resource to boost your child’s learning outside of the classroom! 

Fun Brain – Fun Brain is unique because they offer not only interactive games in Math but they also have interactive reading pieces on their website. 

Primary Games – Primary Games is a collection of arcade games, puzzles, and videos. Primary games are exclusive to children in first through eighth-grade. 

ABCYa – This interactive educational website caters to children in pre-K through sixth grade. They offer a wide collection of games, videos, and audiobooks. 

Arcademics – Covering all subjects, Arcademics is one of the most versatile educational websites out there.

Education.com – This website offers resources that support children of all learning types. Every activity is tailored to accommodate each child’s curious mind. 

Smarty Games – This is a free online learning platform perfect for kids inside and outside the classroom. They even track the progress of children as they complete educational tasks on the website. 

Kindergarten Websites 

Kindergarten is a very influential time in a child’s life. Kindergarten websites thus provide a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and homeschooled children to play games, watch videos, and interact with lessons. In the end, these help children learn and grow in their first year of school. Check out these kindergarten websites below! 

Curious World – This website boosts academic skills and fosters your child’s curiosity through fun hands-on activities. Curious World is guaranteed to be completely safe and ad-free, whether online or offline. 

Brain POP – Brain POP has a wide range of school activities ranging from STEM to social studies. It can also be used by educators in the classroom. 

FarFaria – If you are trying to help your child improve his or her reading ability, FarFaria is a great tool to help you do so. There are endless genres for you and your child to pick from! 

StarFall – Starfall emphasizes exploration, play, and positive reinforcement and is tailored to children from preschool to third grade. The low-cost membership includes animated songs, as well as math and reading activities. 

Fun Brain JR – A great resource for young children, topics covered and taught through their curriculum includes math and reading, as well as printable activities. The interactive parent page allows parents to do the activities with their kids. 

Preschool Websites 

Before children enter kindergarten, it never hurts to prepare them for it. Preschool websites are thus great resources to help kids learn valuable skills before their schooling adventures. Some of these websites even teach preschoolers to read before kindergarten! Keep reading to find ones that suit your child! 

PreKinders – If you are looking to find a great educational website for your child to prepare for school, this is the one for you. PreKinders mixes play and fun with practical learning. 

Teach Preschool – Teach Preschool strives to grow your teaching skills and strategies to be a part of a warm and inviting community of dedicated early childhood educators. 

Science Websites for Kids 

One of the most exciting subjects in school is science. Children learn about the earth, space, and how things work. That being said, one of the most influential learning tools for kids are websites dedicated to teaching science. Keep reading to find which sites your child will love! 

IXL – This is a personalized learning website great for children in Pre-K to the fourth grade. Through this website, children are immersed in various learning experiences related to STEM. 

OLogy – Ology is a science website, home to endless lessons and activities inspired by the American Museum of Natural History. 

Girl Start – This website has a mission to empower girls in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is tailored to parents, young girls, volunteers, and educators. 

EIA Energy Kids – While most science websites for kids broadly cover several STEM topics, Energy Kids just focuses on one thing: Energy! Run by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this site has tons of rich material for kids to explore. 

Exploratorium – This is an informative blog that teaches kids about all areas of STEM, educating and empowering children everywhere. 

Bill Nye – Founded by the famous scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, this website is made to foster scientific imagination in children. 

ThoughtCo. – ThoughtCo. gives kids the chance to explore their curiosity. It teaches children how science is part of everyday life. 

Science News for Students – This website offers blog posts and news articles that inform students of the latest topics in STEM. 

Free Educational Apps for Kids 

Apps are great learning tools for kids because you can access them on the go. This way, you don’t have to isolate learning to home and school. You can take the fun of learning with you. In the waiting room at the doctor’s office? Get a free educational app to keep your child busy! Keep reading to find the best free educational apps for kids!  

Vroom – With over 1,000 free activities, your child is given a great chance to start learning early before starting preschool. Vroom understands the importance of brain-building. 

Kodable – This website teaches children how to do computer coding. There are over 70 lessons with both on-screen and off-screen activities. Each lesson includes clear instructions, making coding fun and easy to learn. 

Hopscotch – Through fun, interactive games, Hopscotch teaches computer coding to children. 

Chicken Coop Fraction Games – This app teaches children math, helping them ace fractions with hilarious chicken-themed educational games. 

Homer – This website provides kids the best educational start possible. Interactive stories and reading activities help children improve their reading ability. 

Sesame Street – This website is home to fun, educational games. Classic Sesame Street characters are present in each activity, making each interactive game unique and exciting for kids. 

Educational Apps for Toddlers 

Toddlers often have a difficult time sitting still. They want to walk and talk and play almost all the time. Downloading an educational app for toddlers on your phone is thus a great way to keep them quiet and busy while encouraging them to learn. Below are some of the best apps for toddlers available! 

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox – Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a collection of 7 educational games for your toddler. It is extremely interactive, usable in a total of 8 languages. 

Bugs and Button – This app helps your toddlers identify patterns and colors in an interactive way. There are a total of 18 educational games and activities. 

Duck Duck Moose – Moose Math makes mathematical learning fun for children! It teaches counting, addition, and subtraction. 

LeapFrog Academy – This app is filled with more than two thousand engaging games and activities for children between the ages of three and six. Though there is a free trial, there is a subscription service fee. 

SpinLight – Spinlight helps your child learn the alphabet in a creative way. It is one of the top-rated alphabet apps on the Apple store. 

Educational Apps for Preschoolers 

There are so many things preschoolers need to know before entering kindergarten. For example, they need to know their numbers and letters. As a busy parent, it isn’t always easy to instill all these lessons in your children. That’s why educational apps for preschoolers are great learning tools for kids: you can help your child learn on the go. Check out these awesome apps for your preschooler! 

Peg + Cat Big Gig – This app enables children between the ages three through six to practice their math skills by learning and creating songs. 

Elmo Loves 123 – Elmo loves 123 includes games and activities that will help your child learn more about numbers and counting. 

Endless Alphabet – If your child is in the beginning stages of learning the alphabet, then this is the perfect app for you. It is a great hands-on learning experience that helps kids master the alphabet. 

Educational App Store – This educational app is designed to teach your kids more about the alphabet through games, such as puzzles and other interactive tasks. 

AlphaTots Alphabet – This app includes 26 fun preschool puzzles and mini-games that help kids learn the alphabet with engaging sing-a-longs. 

Reading Websites For Elementary Students 

Elementary school students are well on their way to middle school, so it’s important to make sure they are performing well in their classes. If your child struggles in reading, wants to improve his or her reading ability, or simply loves reading and writing, these reading websites for elementary students are the perfect learning tools for kids! 

Reading Rockets – Reading Rockets is a top-notch resource that helps children learn how to read as well as improve their reading ability. 

Reading Bear – Another great resource for learning, Reading Bear helps children learn how to read through teaching sounds and syllables. 

Reading Eggs – This is a great website to make learning to read easy and fun and is a perfect resource for parents to use with their kids. 

Choosito – This website hosts more than 200,000 sites, making it easy to find the perfect reading resource for your child. 

Storyline Online – Storyline Online teaches a wide variety of genres, making it easy for children to understand them. Plus, the stories often teach valuable morals. 

Common Lit – Common Lit helps to drive growth and measure progress through effective literacy programs, both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Story Place – Story Place holds a variety of activities to help kickstart your child’s journey in learning how to read. 

Reading Websites for Kindergarten 

Most kids learn how to read in kindergarten. However, for some kids, it’s a hard subject to learn. Whether you are a parent homeschooling your child or simply want to aid your child in learning how to read well, these reading websites for kindergarten students are great learning tools for kids! 

PBS Learning Media – Arizona PBS has curated multiple learning websites through interactive games, lesson plans, and entertaining videos. Their goal is to help children be prepared for grade school. 

Tumble Books – Tumble Book Library includes a large database of children’s Ebooks in many different languages. 

Science Books For Kids 

If your child has cultivated a love of science, purchasing some science books for them will no doubt encourage that scientific passion. Check out these sources for purchasing science books for kids! 

Geek Wrapped – This website showcases the top 100 best science books that make young explorers excited to read! 

Science Friday – This reading website is home to a collection of true stories. You can even opt for book recommendations based on your child’s subject of interest. 

Read Brightly – This website allows parents to see what books are most popular in their region. Read Brightly provides the resources needed to help parents raise kids with a love of reading. 

Final Thoughts  

There is no single roadmap for learning in early childhood — every child grows in their own way and at their own pace. What matters most is that learning feels joyful, curious, hands on, and connected to real experiences. When children explore through art, science, cooking, math, stories, movement, and social play, they develop the essential skills that support kindergarten readiness and long-term academic success — all while building confidence, independence, imagination, and social-emotional strength.  

Whether your child prefers quiet activities or big movement, sensory play or storytelling, building or pretend play, these moments of discovery shape the way they see themselves as learners. Small, everyday play experiences — even 10 minutes at a time — make a powerful difference. And the best part? You don’t need fancy materials or complicated projects. Your time, encouragement, and presence are what make learning meaningful. 

See Why Families Love Learning at Cadence Education 

If you’re beginning to think about preschool — or wondering whether your child is ready — we’re here to help. Cadence Education schools are designed to nurture the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our teachers create warm, welcoming classrooms where children feel safe to try new things, make friends, take risks, ask questions, and discover what makes them unique. 

We would love the opportunity to meet your family, learn more about your child, and support you in finding the perfect fit. 

→ Find a Cadence school near you 

Science is all around young children, and they are naturally built to explore it. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K learners pour, scoop, mix, build, and watch what happens, they are doing much more than playing. They are testing ideas, asking questions, and beginning to think like scientists and engineers.

Hands on science and STEM activities invite children to experiment with real materials, notice patterns, compare results, and talk about what they see. Each time they make a prediction, try something out, and check what changed, they practice problem solving, early math and measurement, fine motor coordination, and persistence. Most importantly, they discover that they are capable of figuring things out.

The playful STEM activities below help turn everyday moments into meaningful discoveries that build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Which Cup Has More? (Conservation of Liquids) 

Explore how the same amount of water looks different depending on the shape of a container. Water play is a fun hands-on way to experiment with the conservation of liquids. 

Steps 

  1. Pour the same amount of water into two containers with different shapes. 
  1. Observe together how the water looks higher or lower depending on the container. 
  1. Pour water back and forth to compare again. 
  1. Talk about what your child notices or predicts. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Explore with containers of various shapes during bath or sink play. 
  • Three-year-olds — Create a dishwashing sensory bin and compare water amounts in different containers. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Use food coloring to pour water into different containers and compare using measuring cups. 

Skills Supported 

Conservation of liquids, fine motor pouring, imagination, scientific observation 

Compare Size and Weight 

Children compare the size and weight of objects using simple household tools. 

Steps 

  1. Gather objects of varying shapes and weights. 
  1. Predict which items are heavy or light. 
  1. Compare items using hands or simple tools. 
  1. Talk about similarities and differences. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Explore measurement with cups and spoons in sensory play. 
  • Three-year-olds — Use scales, measure outlines, and observe evaporation outdoors. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Weigh popcorn seeds vs. popped popcorn and conduct scavenger-hunt weighing challenges. 

Skills Supported 

Critical thinking, sensory exploration, early math and science skills 

Conduct Cooking Experiments with Assistance 

Cooking becomes a science and sensory experiment as children explore textures, smells, and ingredients. Mixing and measuring build confidence and self-expression. 

Steps 

  1. Choose a kid-friendly recipe. 
  1. Smell, touch, and mix ingredients. 
  1. Compare textures before and after cooking. 
  1. Taste and discuss what changed. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Smell, taste, and mix ingredients; explore recipe books with photos. 
  • Three-year-olds — Follow a recipe and talk about family food traditions. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Choose ingredients at the store, measure them, and explore cultural food videos or books. 

Skills Supported 

Language development, critical thinking, sensory exploration, early math, cultural awareness 

Lima Bean Planting: Watch It Grow! 

Plant seeds and observe how they change and grow over time. 

Steps 

  1. Place soil in a small paper cup. 
  1. Plant a bean and water lightly. 
  1. Place the cup near sunlight. 
  1. Check growth daily and discuss changes. 

Materials 

Beans, soil, small paper cup, spray bottle, water 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Scoop soil with a spoon and water with a spray bottle. 
  • Three-year-olds — View pictures of plant growth and water daily. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Discuss what plants need to grow and track watering independently. 

Skills Supported 

Science, responsibility, following steps 

Paper Airplanes: Fly High in the Sky! 

Explore air power by folding and flying paper airplanes. 

Steps 

  1. Fold a paper airplane together. 
  1. Fly the paper airplane in an open space. 
  1. Compare distances and flight paths. 
  1. Talk about what helps planes fly farther. 

Materials 

Paper, wide outdoor area 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Decorate paper and compare flight with and without a fan. 
  • Three-year-olds — Fold their own airplane and fly together. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Look up folding designs, make predictions, and test wind/air movement with a fan. 

Skills Supported 

Understanding airflow, fine motor folding, vocabulary, testing predictions 

Sandcastle Building: Do You Want to Build a Sandcastle? 

Build sand structures using simple household tools. 

Steps 

  1. Fill a container with sand. 
  1. Pack sand into cups and turn them upside down to build towers. 
  1. Add decorations or accessories. 
  1. Talk about why some structures stand and others fall. 

Materials 

Sand, container, plastic cups, shovels 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Use edible moon sand (flour + oil). 
  • Three-year-olds — Count scoops and pretend to bury treasure. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Try recreating sandcastles from online photos or videos. 

Skills Supported 

Sensory exploration, early engineering, imaginative play 

Learning Your Body Parts (Head to Toe Science) 

Children learn to identify and name body parts using play, songs, and books. 

Steps 

  1. Sing and point to body parts together. 
  1. Play naming and movement games. 
  1. Add new vocabulary as children learn. 
  1. Talk about how body parts work and what they do. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Sing body songs and read children’s anatomy books. 
  • Three-year-olds — Play naming and pointing games with simple and complex body-part vocabulary. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Discuss how body parts function (digestion, breathing, circulation, bones, muscles, skin). 

Skills Supported 

Anatomy knowledge, vocabulary building, gross motor development (movement and dancing) 

Looking for more activities? 

If your child enjoyed these STEM activities, there is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, create, investigate, and problem-solve across every developmental area. Explore more preschool learning activities including art, math, literacy, cooking, social emotional learning, and fine and gross motor play. 

→ Explore dozens of other free activities for kids here.

Why Science and STEM Activities Matter for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Science and STEM experiences in early childhood do more than teach facts. They help children make sense of how the world works while building skills that support school readiness across every learning area.

• Science and STEM nurture curiosity and scientific thinking.
Young children are natural scientists who learn through inquiry, trial and error, and hands on exploration. When adults support that curiosity, children build strong foundations for later science learning (NAEYC).

• STEM activities build problem solving, critical thinking, and early math skills.
Exploring cause and effect, comparing quantities, measuring, building structures, and testing designs help children develop analytical thinking, early numeracy, and persistence with challenging tasks (Accelerate Learning).

• Doing science supports language development and vocabulary.
Talking about observations, describing changes, explaining ideas, and asking questions during science activities strengthen vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension (NAEYC).

• Hands on STEM boosts motivation, confidence, and executive function.
Well designed science and STEM experiences can increase children’s motivation for science, support focus and working memory, and help them see themselves as capable problem solvers (ED.GOV).

What This Means For Families

Simple materials like water, sand, cups, blocks, paper, leaves, and everyday household objects can become powerful STEM tools. When children pour, stack, sort, build, and watch how things move or change, they are learning to investigate.

You can support science and STEM by slowing down and wondering together. Ask questions such as “What do you notice,” “What do you think will happen next,” and “How could we try that a different way.” Give children time to test their ideas, make mistakes, and try again. Celebrate effort and curiosity more than getting the “right” answer.

With simple, everyday experiences, families can help children build:

✔ curiosity and a love of learning
✔ problem solving and critical thinking
✔ early math, measurement, and observation skills
✔ language for describing ideas, questions, and discoveries
✔ confidence in their ability to figure things out

Every time a child asks “why,” tests a guess, or notices something new, they are growing as a scientist.

Daily STEM Discovery with Cadence Education

At Cadence Education, children learn by exploring, testing ideas, and asking big questions. Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are designed to spark curiosity, with opportunities for children to pour, build, design, observe, and investigate how things work. Through these STEM rich experiences, children strengthen problem solving, early math and science understanding, language, and confidence in a safe, nurturing environment.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and unique way of exploring the world.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour 

Math in early childhood is about much more than numbers — it is about thinking. When preschoolers compare sizes, count objects, identify shapes, predict patterns, and solve simple problems, they are building the foundation for reasoning, decision-making, and everyday problem-solving. 

These hands-on activities help children make meaningful connections by exploring math concepts through play. Instead of worksheets, children measure, build, sort, count, and experiment using familiar objects — making math fun, practical, and confidence-boosting. 

Below are playful math activities that support school readiness using simple materials at home. 

Solving Math Problems with Pictures 

Picture-based problem solving helps children understand how numbers apply to real life. When children analyze photos, books, or visual math prompts, they learn to count items, compare quantities, and describe simple addition or subtraction using their own words. 

Steps 

  1. Choose a picture with objects or people that can be counted. 
  1. Ask your child what they notice and what they can count. 
  1. Create a simple math question from the picture. 
  1. Support your child in describing the solution out loud. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Read math-related picture books like Ten Black Dots or Fish Eyes. Count people in family photos using fingers; identify tallest/shortest. 
  • Three-year-olds — Create simple math problems using products in a catalog (e.g., “5 bananas + 2 pineapples = how many fruits?”). 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Use books like The Grapes of Math; create equations from pictures (e.g., “10 family members in this picture, 4 in that one — how many missing?”) and say the completed equation. 

Skills Supported 

Pictorial math interpretation, counting, addition/subtraction, numerical equations, understanding size 

Compare Size & Weight 

This activity introduces hands-on measurement by inviting children to compare the size and weight of everyday objects. Children learn math vocabulary and early science skills by exploring what is “bigger,” “smaller,” “heavier,” and “lighter.” 

Steps 

  1. Gather household objects of different sizes and weights. 
  1. Predict which objects are heavy/light or big/small. 
  1. Test predictions using hands or simple tools like spoons, cups, or scales. 
  1. Talk about similarities and differences based on observations. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Use measuring cups and spoons in sand or water to explore “full” vs. “empty,” and pour liquid between tall and short containers. 
  • Three-year-olds — Compare objects on a scale, measure outlines, and observe evaporation outdoors. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Compare mass with popcorn seeds vs. popped popcorn and conduct scavenger hunts for weighing. 

Skills Supported 

Critical thinking, early science and math skills, sensory exploration 

Counting Made Fun 

Counting becomes meaningful when children apply it to the world around them. This activity builds early numeracy by pairing counting with movement, patterns, and everyday routines. 

Steps 

  1. Choose an activity that involves counting (steps, cars, toys, calendar days, game spaces). 
  1. Count aloud together using fingers or objects. 
  1. Continue repeating the sequence with turn-taking. 
  1. Extend learning with skip counting, ordinal numbers, or board games when ready. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Count steps on a walk; take turns saying the next number to introduce skip counting. 
  • Three-year-olds — Count cars by twos on a walk (2, 4, 6…). 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Use a calendar to count days with ordinal numbers, then play a board game and count spaces. 

Skills Supported 

Counting, skip counting, ordinal numbers 

Let’s Do Dominoes: The Domino Effect 

Dominoes build strong mathematical thinking as children count dots, make patterns, match numbers, and experiment with the physical science of falling dominoes. This activity supports both early math and problem-solving through play. 

Steps 

  1. Count dots on dominoes and name each number. 
  1. Sort dominoes by color or number. 
  1. Line dominoes up standing in a row. 
  1. Tap the first domino and watch the full chain fall. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Count dots 1–10; match colored dominoes; watch a short row fall. 
  • Three-year-olds — Count 1–15; line dominoes up and observe the domino effect; match numbers and colors. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Count 1–20; use all dominoes to design a long pattern; coordinate colors and count time until the full chain falls. 

Skills Supported 

Fine motor skills, math manipulation, color recognition, cause & effect, cooperation and patience 

Looking for more activities? 

There is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, create, investigate, experiment, and problem-solve across every developmental area — including literacy, art, science, cooking, social-emotional learning, and motor development. 

→ Explore the full guide to preschool learning activities 

Why Early Math Matters for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Early math learning lays the foundation for school readiness, problem solving, and long term academic success. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K children explore math through play instead of worksheets, they build strong number sense, spatial awareness, and logical thinking, along with the confidence to solve problems independently.

• Early math is one of the strongest predictors of later academic success.
A major longitudinal analysis found that children with strong early math skills are more likely to excel academically in elementary school and beyond across multiple subjects (Science Direct).

• Even toddlers benefit from everyday mathematical thinking.
The NAEYC and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics confirm that children under age 3 gain measurable benefits from early math interactions, including comparing objects, identifying shapes, and exploring patterns (NAEYC).

• Math develops problem solving and reasoning, not just number memorization.
Activities that involve measuring, sorting, classifying, predicting patterns, and comparing amounts build early executive function skills and cognitive flexibility that transfer to all learning areas (Harvard)

• A positive relationship with math in preschool builds long term confidence.
Preschoolers who experience math through play develop a growth mindset around learning, which supports later success in STEM and reduces anxiety about math (MDRC).

• Early math can reduce achievement gaps before kindergarten.
Research shows that play based early math instruction supports children who might otherwise begin kindergarten behind, helping narrow school readiness gaps (Eric.Ed.Gov)

Making Math Part Of Everyday Family Life

Young children learn best when math is part of everyday play and routines. Counting steps on a walk, sorting toys by color or size, matching socks during laundry, measuring ingredients while cooking, or spotting patterns in books and games all help children understand how math works in real life.

When math feels fun and familiar, children approach learning with curiosity and confidence. They become comfortable making predictions, trying strategies, explaining their thinking, and solving problems independently. These habits support success in preschool, pre K, and kindergarten.

With simple everyday interactions, families can help children develop:

✔ number sense and early numeracy
✔ language for size, shapes, patterns, and quantities
✔ confidence and persistence during challenges
✔ a strong foundation for school readiness

Every playful moment that involves thinking, comparing, sorting, or counting supports a child’s growth as a confident problem solver.

Math Activities Daily with Cadence Education 

When families choose Cadence Education, they choose a school that understands how early math skills shape confidence, curiosity, and school readiness. Our classrooms bring math to life through hands on play, problem solving, and real world exploration, helping children build a strong foundation for future learning.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

Motor development is one of the most important parts of early learning because children learn with their whole bodies. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K learners grasp tiny objects, pour water, paint, jump, climb, balance, and move through space, they are doing far more than burning energy. They are building strength, coordination, focus, body control, and confidence in what their bodies can do.

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers that children need for writing, drawing, using utensils, zipping and buttoning, cutting with scissors, building with blocks, and manipulating small objects. Gross motor skills involve the larger muscles used for running, hanging, climbing, throwing, hopping, balancing, and navigating the playground. Both are essential for school readiness, self help skills, and independence in daily routines.

When children move, explore materials, and practice using their bodies in new ways, they not only grow stronger physically but also develop focus, perseverance, problem solving, and pride in their accomplishments. The playful activities below support both fine and gross motor development using simple materials and hands on learning children love.

Fine Motor Skill Activities for Preschoolers 

(Strengthening hands, coordination, and pre-writing skills) 

Fine motor activities strengthen the small muscles in children’s hands, helping them grasp tools, write, draw, manipulate objects, and build independence in everyday tasks. 

3D Art Sculpture 

This hands-on building project strengthens hand muscles as children twist, attach, squeeze, and arrange materials to form their own sculpture. Creativity and problem-solving grow as they decide what to build and how to construct it. 

Steps 

  1. Give your child a Styrofoam base. 
  1. Offer a variety of building materials. 
  1. Encourage designing and experimenting. 
  1. Ask them to describe what they created. 

Materials 

Construction paper strips, glue, tape, staples, pipe cleaners, Styrofoam, paper, pencils, markers, pom-poms, beads, assorted household materials 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Fewer, easier-to-use materials such as pipe cleaners and Styrofoam only. 
  • Three-year-olds — Name the colors used in the sculpture. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Draw a picture of the finished sculpture. 

Skills Supported 

Aesthetic appreciation, creativity, fine motor development, tool usage 

 

Book Making Activity: Make It. Write It. Read It. 

Creating homemade books allows children to be authors and illustrators while practicing storytelling, drawing, and page turning — all of which strengthen fine-motor control and expressive language. 

Steps 

  1. Provide examples of different book types. 
  1. Explain tools and construction methods. 
  1. Invite your child to draw pictures on each page. 
  1. Write their dictated ideas under the drawings. 
  1. Celebrate the finished book by reading it together. 

Materials 

Colored paper, markers, scissors, glue 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Provide a pre-constructed blank book for children to complete. 
  • Three-year-olds — Choose a book style and label characters. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Create themed shapes and storylines independently. 

Skills Supported 

Language development, fine motor skills, critical thinking, appreciation of the arts 

 

Creative Expressions Activity: Look What I Can Make 

Drawing freely gives children the opportunity to express ideas, explore creativity, strengthen grip and hand muscles, and practice pre-writing strokes that support handwriting later on. 

Steps 

  1. Offer drawing tools like crayons, pencils, or markers. 
  1. Encourage your child to draw freely. 
  1. Ask open-ended questions about the picture. 
  1. Display or save artwork to build confidence. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Draw from observation (mirror, window, photo) and talk about the picture. 
  • Three-year-olds — Create basic designs and answer detailed questions about drawings. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Add details and tell stories using their artwork. 

Skills Supported 

Fine motor (drawing/painting), storytelling, answering questions, creativity 

 

Marshmallow Painting 

Painting with marshmallows encourages sensory exploration while strengthening finger and hand control. Stamping patterns and shapes helps children practice early symbol recognition in a playful way. 

Steps 

  1. Dip marshmallows in paint. 
  1. Stamp onto paper to create images or patterns. 
  1. Count or describe the marks made. 
  1. Display artwork or use it during pretend play. 

Materials 

Marshmallows, paper, easel, paint 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Hold marshmallows with a spoon or fork; look at camping books/photos while painting. 
  • Three-year-olds — Place marshmallows on sticks; count dots and tell a story about camping. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Paint letters, numbers, or imaginary maps for a pretend camping trip. 

Skills Supported 

Fine motor strength, sensory exploration, number recognition, storytelling 

 

Messy Spelling Activity: Shaving Cream Spelling 

Writing letters in shaving cream builds sensory awareness, strengthens finger muscles, and makes spelling feel fun and pressure-free. 

Steps 

  1. Spread shaving cream across a flat surface. 
  1. Form letters or words with fingers. 
  1. Say each letter or word out loud. 
  1. Smooth the shaving cream to start again. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Form the first letter of their name. 
  • Three-year-olds — Practice writing all letters of their name using a model to reference. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Spell first name independently, then last name when ready. 

Skills Supported 

Language and vocabulary, fine motor development, sensory learning, handwriting preparation 

 

Sorting 2D & 3D Objects by Shape 

Sorting strengthens finger coordination and teaches children to examine shapes, sizes, and spatial characteristics closely — an early foundation for math and problem-solving. 

Steps 

  1. Gather 2D and 3D objects. 
  1. Sort into baskets or piles by shape. 
  1. Name shapes and compare similarities. 
  1. Hunt for new household items that fit each category. 

Materials 

2D & 3D objects, baskets or boxes 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Sort 2–3 shapes using picture labels on baskets. 
  • Three-year-olds — Sort 4–5 shapes using picture + word labels. 
  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Sort 5–7 shapes and find additional items around the home. 

Skills Supported 

Shape recognition, size comparison, orientation awareness, fine motor coordination

 

 

Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers 

(Movement, balance, strength, and coordination) 

Gross motor play strengthens the whole body, helping children build balance, strength, coordination, spatial awareness, confidence, and self-regulation. 

young kids playing hopskotch gross motor skills activities

 

 

Gymnastic Obstacle Course 

Obstacle courses help children crawl, jump, spin, climb, and balance while following a sequence. Designing and completing the course builds physical strength as well as problem-solving and self-confidence. 

Steps 

  1. Set up stations for crawling, weaving, climbing, and jumping. 

  1. Demonstrate or walk through the course together. 

  1. Run through the course at a comfortable pace. 

  1. Celebrate finishing and repeat if desired. 

Materials 

Chalk, chairs, pop-up tunnel, household items 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Demonstrate the course first; play with a familiar song like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. 

  • Three-year-olds — Have children describe what they want in the course and help design it. 

  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Children build the full course themselves and race with an adult. 

Skills Supported 

Crawling, running, spinning, coordination, STEM (structure design), confidence 

 

Practice Your Balance: Balancing to Music 

Music paired with movement improves balance, rhythm, and concentration. Walking along a taped line while responding to tempo changes helps children control their bodies and move safely in space. 

Steps 

  1. Set up a balance beam or tape line. 

  1. Play music and walk along the line. 

  1. Match movements to slow and fast tempos. 

  1. Try balancing on one foot or turning while staying on the line. 

Materials 

Music source, balance beam or taped/chalked straight line 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Hold a hand, wall, or shelf while balancing. 

  • Three-year-olds — March or step to match fast/slow tempos without holding support. 

  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Create their own taped beam (zig-zag, shapes, jumps, letters) and balance using different call-outs (one foot, jump, turn). 

Skills Supported 

Balance, coordination, motor control, listening, rhythm 

 

Musical Freeze Shapes: Stop When I Say Freeze 

Combining energetic play with academic recognition helps children strengthen impulse control, memory, and physical motor planning as they freeze on shapes, numbers, or letters. 

Steps 

  1. Draw shapes, numbers, or letters on the sidewalk. 

  1. Move between drawings while music plays. 

  1. Freeze when the music stops. 

  1. Identify the shape, number, or letter you landed on. 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Jump from shape to shape while naming shapes/colors. 

  • Three-year-olds — Move in different ways and freeze on a drawing to identify it. 

  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Include more advanced shapes like pyramids or cubes and larger numbers. 

Skills Supported 

Gross motor development, balance, number/letter/shape recognition, following multistep directions 

 

Royalty Hopscotch: Let’s Get Hopping 

A fairy-tale-themed hopscotch game adds pretend play to physical learning, motivating children to move longer while strengthening balance, coordination, and counting. 

Steps 

  1. Draw themed hopscotch squares like tiara, castle, or music notes. 

  1. Toss a pebble and hop through the sequence. 

  1. Count squares and cheer for progress. 

  1. Switch roles and take turns. 

Materials 

Sidewalk chalk 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations 

  • Two-year-olds — Use numbers 1–5 or a few shapes; assist counting and hopping. 

  • Three-year-olds — Children draw the hopscotch themselves and test different jumping styles. 

  • Four-/Five-year-olds — Add more squares or turn the hopscotch into a full obstacle course. 

Skills Supported 

Jumping, hopping, counting, creativity, imagination, fine motor (chalk control), hand-eye coordination 

 

Looking for more activities? 

There is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, build, create, problem-solve, and express themselves across every developmental area. 

→ Explore more activities for kids.

Why Motor Development Matters for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Motor development plays a powerful role in school readiness and lifelong learning. When young children build strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness through movement and hands on play, they gain confidence in their abilities and the independence needed for everyday tasks.

• Strong fine motor skills prepare children for writing, drawing, using tools, self care, and academic tasks.
Activities that strengthen the small muscles of the hands and fingers support handwriting, using utensils, zipping and buttoning, drawing, cutting, and manipulating objects (Continued.com)

• Gross motor development supports physical health, stamina, and emotional regulation.
Running, balancing, climbing, and jumping help children build strength and core stability while also improving body control, spatial awareness, and self regulation (Oregon State).

• Motor development connects directly to cognitive and language growth.
Research shows that physical play supports planning, sequencing, focus, memory, and expressive vocabulary as children talk about what they are doing, solve challenges, and learn new skills through movement (nih.gov)

• Confidence in the body builds confidence in learning.
When children feel capable physically, they are more willing to try new challenges, take safe risks, make decisions, and approach learning with a growth mindset (Oregon State).

How Can Families Incorporate Motor Skills in Everyday Life?

Everyday play activities like climbing at the playground, drawing with crayons, scooping sand, threading beads, dancing to music, and hopping between pillows help children build strength and coordination while having fun.

Movement based play encourages children to focus, follow directions, problem solve, and express emotions in healthy ways. Children begin to understand what their bodies can do and take pride in learning new skills.

With simple daily routines, families can support:

✔ strength and muscle control
✔ focus and persistence during tasks
✔ independence in self care and school routines
✔ confidence in both physical and academic learning

Every playful moment that involves moving, grasping, jumping, lifting, balancing, climbing, or creating supports a child’s development across multiple learning areas.

Daily Movement and Learning with Cadence Education

Movement is a core part of learning at Cadence Education. Our classrooms and playgrounds give children space to climb, build, paint, run, create, and explore so they can grow strong bodies, strong minds, and strong confidence. We support motor development through hands on play because children learn best when they can move, experiment, and use their whole body.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

 

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour