.jpg)
Hands-on Math: The Benefits of Counting Toys for Kindergarteners
- Aria Dana
- Dec 2, 2025
- 8 min read
Creative Skills | Language and Arts | Math | Science | Social-emotional Learning (SEL)
Counting toys—such as blocks, bears, beads, and other manipulatives—plays an important role in early math education by transforming abstract concepts into tangible, engaging experiences for young learners.
Table of Contents
Mathematical Skill Development
Building Number Sense and Recognition
Hands-on manipulation of counting toys helps children understand that numbers represent real quantities, strengthening one-to-one correspondence and cardinality. Interventions using counting toys, such as bear-themed activities, have been shown to improve numerical comparison, arithmetic operations, and number recognition, with sustained benefits, especially in low-socioeconomic settings [3, 4, 15].
Both formal (structured games) and informal (home play) activities with counting toys predict growth in arithmetic and number comparison skills [8, 10, 14].
Understanding Basic Operations
Counting toys makes addition and subtraction visible. Children physically combine or separate objects, which helps them internalize basic operations. Studies show that finger-based and manipulative-based strategies both support early arithmetic, with neither being clearly superior for high-skill children, but both facilitating the shift from concrete to mental strategies [5, 7, 10].
Problem-Solving, Logical Thinking, and Pattern Recognition
Activities involving sorting, sequencing, and patterning with toys foster logical thinking, perseverance, and early algebraic reasoning. Structured problem-solving units using manipulatives lead to improvements in seriation, pattern identification, and structured counting [1, 15].
Mathematical Language Development
As children play, they naturally use math vocabulary (e.g., more than, less than, equal), which strengthens both communication and reasoning skills [3, 15].
Cognitive and Physical Development
Fine Motor Skills and Spatial Awareness
Manipulating small objects—placing beads, stacking blocks—improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are foundational for writing and spatial reasoning. Block play and physically active math lessons also enhance gross motor skills and spatial awareness, supporting later success in geometry and STEM [6, 9, 12].
Memory, Attention, and Executive Function
Counting and sorting activities require children to track, remember, and focus, strengthening working memory and attention span. Motor skill-based interventions have been shown to improve both executive function and numeracy, especially for children with initially lower abilities [6, 9, 11].
Engagement and Attitude Toward Math
Making Math Fun and Reducing Anxiety
Counting toys turns math into play, increasing engagement and confidence. Play-based interventions and board games have been shown to improve numeral identification, counting, and arithmetic skills, with effects persisting over time [1, 3, 8].
Screen-Free, Multi-Sensory Learning
Physical manipulatives engage multiple senses, creating stronger learning connections and offering a healthy alternative to digital devices [2].
Bridging Concrete and Abstract Thinking
Counting toys helps children progress from concrete manipulation to abstract reasoning, supporting the transition to higher-level math [7, 10, 13].
Key Findings on Counting Toys in Kindergarten Math
Area | Benefits |
Number sense & arithmetic | Improves comparison, operations, and recognition; benefits persist over time |
Patterning & sequencing | Enhances pattern recognition, seriation, and structured counting |
Fine/gross motor skills | Strengthens fine motor, spatial, and gross motor skills |
Engagement & confidence | Increases enjoyment, reduces anxiety, and boosts confidence in math |
Home-school connection | Home numeracy activities with toys predict math growth |
Table 1. Summary of the benefits of counting toys in kindergarten math.
Hands-on Counting Toys for Kindergarten
Ages: 3 - 5 years
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Counting Practice: Slide beads to practice one-to-one correspondence.
Basic Operations: Use beads to demonstrate simple addition or subtraction problems.
Patterning: Create and replicate color patterns with the beads.
Logical Thinking: Try the included extension activities for problem-solving and sequencing challenges.
Screen-Free Learning: Offers a tactile, interactive alternative to digital math games.
What’s Included in the Set:
1 wooden abacus with 10 wires and 100 colorful beads
Ages: 3 years and up
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Color Sorting: Ask children to sort beads by color into the matching tubes.
Counting Practice: Use beads to model numbers on the activity cards.
Early Operations: Have students show simple problems (e.g., “Put 3 red beads and 2 yellow beads. How many in all?”).
Patterning: Let children create and copy patterns using the different colors.
Fine Motor Centers: Have kids pick up beads using the tweezers to develop finger strength.
What’s Included in the Set:
50 colorful beads
5 sorting tubes
1 tube base
1 grip tool (tweezers)
1 tumbler spoon
15 double-sided challenge/flash cards
Open-ended and structured activity options
Age: 3 years up
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Counting Practice: Have children fill each numbered slot with the correct number of beads (1–10).
Color Matching: Ask learners to match bead colors to the designated sections of the puzzle.
Fine Motor Development: The magnetic pen requires grip control and precision, helping build writing-readiness skills.
Focus & Attention: Use this maze as a quiet work activity during centers or morning work.
Themed Learning: Choose designs (Ice Cream, Ocean, Space, Desserts, Coffee Cups) that match seasonal or thematic units.
What’s Included in the Set:
1 magnetic wooden maze board (theme varies)
Magnetic stylus
55 magnetic beads in 10 distinct colors
Durable acrylic cover that secures beads safely inside
Age: 2 - 5 years
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Finger Counting: Let children attach soft fingers to the palms to count numbers visually and physically.
Basic Operations: Model simple addition/subtraction problems using the fingers and number blocks.
Number Tracing: Encourage kids to trace numbers with the stylus to practice writing and reinforce numerical understanding.
Fine Motor Development: Handling the stylus and moving number blocks helps strengthen small muscles for writing readiness.
Parent-Child or Peer Interaction: Use in cooperative play or math centers to build teamwork and communication skills.
What’s Included in the Set
Double-sided Montessori math board:
Front side: Interactive left and right hands for finger counting
Back side: Number tracing board for handwriting practice
Wooden stylus for tracing numbers
Number blocks for counting, addition, and subtraction activities
Age: 3 years up
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Number Matching: Match each peg to its corresponding number slot to reinforce counting and number recognition.
Counting Activities: Use the stacker pieces to model simple addition or subtraction problems.
Patterning & Sorting: Stack and sort by color or shape to develop sequencing and visual discrimination.
Independent Learning: Children can play alone, following the self-guided puzzle format to build confidence and autonomy.
Memory and Estimation Games: Encourage guessing the number of pieces before counting, or recalling the color sequence after playing.
What’s Included in the Set:
Wooden number puzzle board
Multiple puzzle pegs in rainbow colors
Stacking pieces for sorting and counting activities
Open-ended learning design with no age limit
Age: 3 - 8 years
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Counting & Number Recognition: Have children arrange blocks in numerical order or use them to model simple equations.
Friends of Ten Practice: Teach children number pairs that add up to ten using physical blocks.
Color Sorting & Patterning: Stack or line up blocks by color to reinforce patterns.
STEM Play: Encourage balancing towers and creating math-based games.
Guided Challenge Cards: Use the 15 included cards for structured play or problem-solving exercises.
What’s Included in the Set:
20 wooden number blocks (numbers 1–10, double set)
15 challenge cards for guided activities
Step-by-step play guides
Premium gift box for easy storage
Age: 3 - 7 years
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Counting Practice: Have children place the correct number of pegs in each hole according to the number displayed.
Simple Addition/Subtraction: Ask children to add or remove pegs to solve small math problems.
Patterning: Encourage children to create sequences using different colors of pegs.
Independent Learning: Boards are perfect for self-guided exploration or small-group activities.
What’s Included in the Set:
10 wooden counting boards
55 colorful pegs
Storage bag for portability
Age: 2 - 5 years
How to Use in the Classroom or Home:
Number Counting: Match the numbered wooden chips to the corresponding stack of rings or blocks.
Stacking and Sorting: Stack colored circles on wooden pegs to reinforce counting and hand–eye coordination.
Puzzle Matching: Complete the five cartoon card puzzles by placing colored circles in the correct spots.
Fine Motor Development: Picking up, stacking, and placing pieces helps strengthen small hand muscles.
Early Math Practice: Introduce addition and subtraction by combining blocks or counting pieces in different ways.
What’s Included in the Set:
Counting blocks in 5 colors
Numbered wooden chips 1–9
5 picture puzzle cards
Wooden sticks for stacking rings
Assorted colored circles for stacking and puzzle activities
Integrating counting toys into the kindergarten curriculum supports mathematical, cognitive, and physical development, fosters positive attitudes toward math, and helps bridge the gap between concrete and abstract thinking. These tools are especially valuable for children from diverse backgrounds and can help close early achievement gaps
“There is no ‘best’ method in teaching; the best is the one that works for your child.”
References
Berner, V., Niklas, F., Chatzaki, M., & Seitz-Stein, K. (2024). Play-integrated fostering of basic mathematical skills: findings of two experiments. Educational Psychology, 44, 247 - 264. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2024.2329638.
Byrne, E., & Ramchandani, P. (2022). Educational interventions involving physical manipulatives for improving children’s learning and development: a scoping review. Review of Education. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ztsyh.
De Chambrier, A., Baye, A., Tinnes-Vigne, M., Tazouti, Y., Vlassis, J., Poncelet, D., Giauque, N., Fagnant, A., Luxembourger, C., Auquière, A., Kerger, S., & Dierendonck, C. (2021). Enhancing children’s numerical skills through a play-based intervention at kindergarten and at home: a quasi-experimental study. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 54, 164-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2020.09.003.
Fayol, M., Darnon, C., Claracq, I., & Jury, M. (2025). When bears are bearing number acquisition: An early mathematical intervention for kindergarten children. European Journal of Psychology of Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00933-3.
Frey, M., Gashaj, V., Nuerk, H., & Moeller, K. (2024). You can count on your fingers: Finger-based intervention improves first-graders' arithmetic learning.. Journal of experimental child psychology, 244, 105934 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105934.
Hudson, K., Ballou, H., & Willoughby, M. (2020). Short Report: Improving Motor Competence Skills in Early Childhood has Corollary Benefits for Executive Function and Numeracy Skills.. Developmental science, e13071 . https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.13071.
Lê, M., Noël, M., & Thevenot, C. (2024). The efficacy of manipulatives versus fingers in supporting young children's addition skills.. Journal of experimental child psychology, 244, 105931 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105931.
Lange, A., Brenneman, K., & Sareh, N. (2020). Using Number Games to Support Mathematical Learning in Preschool and Home Environments. Early Education and Development, 32, 459 - 479. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2020.1778386.
Magistro, D., Cooper, S., Carlevaro, F., Marchetti, I., Magno, F., Bardaglio, G., & Musella, G. (2022). Two years of physically active mathematics lessons enhance cognitive function and gross motor skills in primary school children.. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102254.
Poletti, C., Krenger, M., Létang, M., Hennequin, B., & Thevenot, C. (2024). Finger counting training enhances addition performance in kindergarteners. Child Development, 96, 251 - 268. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14146.
Ramani, G., Daubert, E., Lin, G., Kamarsu, S., Wodzinski, A., & Jaeggi, S. (2020). Racing Dragons and Remembering Aliens: Benefits of Playing Number and Working Memory Games on Kindergartners' Numerical Knowledge.. Developmental science, e12908 . https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.12908.
Simoncini, K., Forndran, A., Manson, E., Sawi, J., Philip, M., & Kokinai, C. (2020). The Impact of Block Play on Children’s Early Mathematics Skills in Rural Papua New Guinea. International Journal of Early Childhood, 52, 77 - 93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-020-00261-9.
Sudarti, S., Sumardjoko, B., Harsono, H., Narimo, S., & Surono, Y. (2025). Utilizing Natural Materials in Early Mathematics Education: Applying Bruner’s Theory to Early Childhood Learning in Surakarta. Journal of Posthumanism. https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i3.783.
Susperreguy, M., Di Lonardo Burr, S., Xu, C., Douglas, H., & LeFevre, J. (2020). Children's Home Numeracy Environment Predicts Growth of their Early Mathematical Skills in Kindergarten.. Child development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13353.
Torres-Peña, R., Peña-González, D., & Ariza-Echeverri, E. (2025). Mathematical Thinking in Preschool: Strengthening Seriation and Counting Through Problem Solving. International Journal of Early Childhood. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-024-00402-4.
Comments