These Mathematics activities, supply teaching ideas for EYFS, are taken from the book EYFS Supply Teaching Made Simple.

Sing number rhymes using puppets, children or props to support. Encourage children to identify correct numerals or order numerals as an extension. Younger children can count how many are left. (Links to EAD, PSED, C&L)

Create a simple graph of children’s likes and dislikes (e.g. favourite fruit etc.) by drawing a choice on post-it notes and sticking them to the board. Older children can begin to interpret the data. (Links to PSED, C&L)

Create gummed paper shape pictures linked to topic. (Links to EAD, PD)

Sort objects such as compare bears by a range of criteria. (Links to C&L, UW, PSED)
Use number cards and ask children to identify numbers. Ask them to count out different numbers of object to match the number on the card. Older children could add different amounts together and record numerals on white boards (Links to C&L, PD, PSED)

Play the “Shape Game”. Put a set of basic logi-shapes in a feely bag and ask the children to take turns to partially pull out a shape, trying to guess what the shape is. This game can be extended for more able children by describing properties of the shape. (Links to C&L, PSED)

Order objects by size. Older children can measure different objects. (Link to UW or L)
Use an empty box from the art/modelling area, and a child’s chair. Ask children to place a toy in response to different positional instructions, e.g. in the box, under the chair, beside the box etc. (Links to C&L)

Where next? There’s a great quick read here on mixed year group emergency lesson plans. Check out our resources area here too.