Math Tray

Once little ones have understood the early counting principles like stable order (knowing that we count in a particular order like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and not 1, 3, 5, 2, 4), one-to-one correspondence (understanding that each item in a group can be counted once and only once), cardinality (realizing that the last number counted in a group represents the number of items in a group like 1, 2, 3, 4. There are 4 items in the group.), conservation (knowing that the count for a group of objects stays the same regardless if the group is spread out or put back together), and order irrelevance (that it doesn't matter which item you count first in a group, the total will remain the same) then you can begin to introduce the idea of "joining" (aka addition) - and the Math Tray is a powerful tool to help with that concept.

It's important that adding and subtracting aren't rushed on a kiddo's learning journey. I can't emphasize that enough. So often we think that when a child can point to a number of items in a group and say "1, 2, 3, 4, 5. There are 5 items here" that they are ready to add or subtract, and we rush to give them an equation to solve. There's so much that has to be built on a conceptual foundation before adding and subtracting.

This doesn't mean you can't use this tray in other ways in the preschool/pre-K stage. You can use it to work on colour theory (like red and blue make purple) with various loose parts (aka free paint chips or felt swatches or printables from home teachers like Green Urban Creative).

And once your kiddo is ready to begin solving equations, the magic with this tray really shines.

Because the operation symbols aren't etched into the wood, the child has to intentionally select the + or - along with =. This is powerful learning as it taps into both the visual and kinesthetic senses, creating long-lasting connections in the brain. Your kiddo has to choose where to put the = symbol, which is learning moment in itself, and then purposefully selecting either the + or - will help them connect the word "add/join/plus" to the symbol +.

There are a multitude of loose parts that you can use for the bottom sections to help the child "solve" the equation. Our rainbow mini balls work fabulously here, or you can use wonderful finds from your nature walks, like mini pine cones, pussy willows, leaves, pebbles, shells, sea glass, or even snails. You can also use play dough balls, felt balls, glass beads, toy cars, animal figurines, or anything else you have around your house.

You could even use dry snacks, like crackers or grapes. (See below for cleaning instructions.)

To find our rainbow mini balls: Here.

To find the wooden numbers: Here.

To find the math symbols: Here.

For further play ideas, pop onto our Instagram page @modernimaginationtoys

THE DETAILS

The Math Tray is made of one solid piece of locally sourced Canadian maple. We are proud that our offcuts go to heating homes in our community and the wood shavings go toward nesting material for bunnies and chickens nearby.

The tray measures 16 inches by 9 inches.

It is finished with a vegan wax and linseed oil blend that is certified safe for use on toys and cutting boards. (See below for cleaning instructions.)

CLEANING

We recommend using only dry sensory materials with this board. The finish is resistant to mild liquid, but is not meant for immersion into liquid. Spot clean with a natural cleaner (not bleach) and a damp cloth and then let air dry. Markers and crayons are not recommended.

*****
A note about wooden toys: Wood is a natural material and as such, has various unique markings. Variations in wood grain, colour, knots, or texture are all natural occurrences in these hand-crafted wooden products. These unique variations and markings are proof of quality, not defects. Enjoy the markings that make your toy unique!

There may be a difference in colour between what you see on your screen and what you receive in real life. This is due to different monitors and displays, and while we wish there was just one universal monitor for everyone, that isn't the case.

If you have any concerns or problems with any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want you to be entirely satisfied with what you have received and will do everything possible to make it right.

*****

COVID-19 shipping: Please note that we and our shipping partners are working hard to get your goodies to you as quickly as possible. Staffing challenges, along with physical distancing regulations have been affecting some package delivery times, so please plan ahead and allow for a lot of time if this is for an important date. I feel awful when items take a while to arrive, and I really wish I had a magic wand to instantly transport this to your home.

CANADA: Basic shipping is tracked and can take up to 10 business days, depending on where you are within the country (sometimes it can be as short as 2 days). If you would like to receive your package sooner please choose a faster shipping option when you check out.

USA: Basic shipping is untracked air. If you would like your package to be tracked please select a different shipping option when you check out. PLEASE include your phone number in a note when you make your purchase; our customs form requires it and not including it may delay shipping to you.

Europe, Australia and around the world: Basic shipping is untracked surface and CAN TAKE UP TO 12 WEEKS (which is why it is so affordable). If you would like to receive your package sooner please select AIR when you check out. If you would like tracking on your package please choose that option. Regardless of the method you choose, PLEASE include your phone number in a note when you make your purchase; our customs form requires it and not including it may delay shipping to you.

Please, please note: you may or may not have to pay customs fees if you live outside of Canada. I have no control over this as it is the result of trade agreements from the leaders of our countries.