Maths Games and STEAM Learning Through Play

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Mathematics can sometimes feel daunting for children and even parents. Yet, when maths is introduced through play-based learning, it becomes exciting, creative, and fun. At Edx Education, we believe that maths should spark curiosity and joy, helping children develop confidence and problem-solving skills that extend into all areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

With simple hands-on materials such as Linking Cubes, Pattern Blocks, and Math Cubes, everyday learning can be transformed into engaging maths games and creative STEAM challenges. These versatile resources make abstract concepts tangible, whether children are counting, sorting, building patterns, or measuring. The beauty of play-based maths is that it doesn’t require a classroom; your living room floor or kitchen table is the perfect learning space.

Why Play-Based Maths is Important

Play gives children the freedom to explore mathematical concepts at their own pace. By experimenting through open-ended games and challenges, children naturally build skills in:
– Counting and recognising numbers.
– Exploring shapes, symmetry, and spatial awareness.
– Developing problem-solving and logical thinking.
– Strengthening fine motor skills and coordination.

These early maths experiences are the foundation of STEAM learning. Play also teaches resilience. Children learn that mistakes are part of discovery and that persistence pays off.

5 Easy STEAM Activities with Everyday Materials

Using Edx Education’s educational toys, here are five ways to blend maths with STEAM at home or in the classroom:

1. Tower Engineering (Linking Cubes)
Build the tallest tower possible. Count the cubes, compare bases, and test stability. This introduces children to measurement and engineering principles.
2. Pattern Block Mosaics (Pattern Blocks)
Create colourful mosaics or repeating patterns. Ask: “How many triangles make a hexagon?” This activity links art with geometry.
3. Fraction Pizza (Math Cubes)
Use cubes to show halves, thirds, and quarters. Children physically see how fractions fit together to make a whole.
4. Bridge Building (Linking Cubes + Household Items)
Design bridges with cubes, paper, or cardboard. Test how much weight they hold and talk about balance and strength.
5. Sorting and Graphing (Pattern Blocks or Math Cubes)
Sort by colour or shape, then create a bar chart. A fun introduction to data handling and reasoning.

5 Creative Maths Games for Fluency

1. Maths Stories
Turn cubes into characters: “Three yellow cubes met two green cubes. How many friends now?” A playful way to practice addition and subtraction.
2. Dice Roll Race
Roll dice, collect that number of cubes, and race to 20. A lively game for number fluency.
3. Shape Hunt
Spot shapes in everyday life with Pattern Blocks: “The clock is a circle!” This connects classroom maths with the real world.
4. Number Line Adventure
Build a number line with cubes on the floor. Children can hop along to solve addition, subtraction, and skip-counting problems.
5. Creative Collage
Use Pattern Blocks or cubes to make colourful art while exploring symmetry, patterns, and counting.

Bringing Maths and STEAM to Life

STEAM learning doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few versatile resources Linking Cubes, Pattern Blocks, and Math Cubes children can explore maths through fun, hands-on play. These activities support fluency while encouraging creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Edx Education, we’re passionate about helping families and teachers embrace play-based learning. Discover our wide range of educational toys, free downloadable resources, and tune in to the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast for more playful ideas.

By Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play and General Manager, Edx Education UK