The best math learning tools for young children are games, activities and manipulative toys. Young children need lots of hands-on experience with objects including counting before they get formal lessons on worksheets. They need these experiences in order to go through the developmental steps required to understand math. Count while you wait at a light, use measuring cups in the kitchen, look at a thermometer, point out numbers and/or count your way around a clock.  Any games with dominoes (ex: Pre-Math-It), dice (Sum Swamp, Parcheesi) or numbered cards (The Lady Bug Game) will teach counting and addition while developing number sense. Playing with Cuisenaire Rods will teach relative values as well as addition, subtraction, etc. Manipulative toys like blocks, Legos, puzzles and Pattern Blocks develop hand-eye coordination, spatial skills and numeracy concepts.  Activities that develop both large and small muscle coordination like clay, drawing & painting, throwing and catching, climbing and jumping develop the vital sensory skills needed for writing numbers and calculating.  These are the best learning tools for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Seatwork should be kept to a minimum because too much close visual work before age 8 can lead to myopia. If you want a guide, buy Dr. Ruth Beechick’s little book, “The 3 R’s.”