Using math manipulatives (also called math counters) is a great way to help your child succeed in math. It helps them visualize their math problem which will help them grow and gain understanding with numbers. Whether they are learning addition, subtraction, division or multiplication your child will improve faster if they can have hands-on math manipulative to count and sort!

      Make your own math   
           manipulatives

For ones-counters you could use pebbles, dried beans, or cheerios cereal.

For tens-counters you could use paper strips, crayons or twigs.

Have your child keep them in a bin with their math book so they are at hand for every lesson.

Click Here for Free Math Worksheets.

1. Jotham's Journey by Ytreeide
This book is filled with adventure, devotions, and advent activities. This is my favorite book to read with my kids at Christmas time. The book even explains what advent is for those who did not grow up with this special way to celebrate the coming of Christ and Christmas.

Here is the summary from the back of the book:
Over and over Jotham Screamed for his family, but there was no one to hear him. They had vanished. He was alone. Where had they gone? How long ago did they leave? Through quick, stabbing sobs Jotham told himself, "I must look for my family. I must search until I find them." And so his journey began.
Jothams Journey is divided into short chapters for each day of Advent, giving families the opportunity to create a seasonal tradition of storytelling in their home. Ten-year-old Jotham's adventure takes him across Israel as he searches for his family. Though he faces thieves, robbers, and kidnappers, Jotham also encounters friendly wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until at last he finds his way to his family- and to the Savior born in Bethlehem.

2. Make Paper Snowflakes
I love making paper snowflakes and so do my kids! You know Christmas is getting close because our windows begin to display my kids wonderful creations! Its like a winter wonderland! Here are complete directions on how to make these paper ice crystals.

Sort and match the letters from BANANAGRAMS!  Is your 3,4 or 5 year old learning their letters? If so, then they will love sorting the letter tiles. Show them the letters, say the names, and then find another letter that matches.

Here is a link for more free preschoool lesson plans and ideas.