Preschool mathematics education builds essential foundations in logical thinking, spatial awareness, and basic quantitative reasoning. To be effective, it must reflect children's developmental needs—engaging them through play, experience, and active involvement. Creative practices such as math fairy tales, movement-based games, mazes, and collaborative tasks make learning both appropriate and highly motivating, leading to several key outcomes:
1. Increased interest and motivation for learning
Creative mathematical games turn learning into an enjoyable and engaging experience. They stimulate children's imagination and sustain attention through playful elements and storytelling.
2. Linking mathematical concepts to real-life situations
Story-based and fairy tale mathematical games help children make sense of mathematical operations through situations familiar to their everyday experiences—shopping, traveling, cooking, caring for animals, and more.
3. Development of thinking skills, spatial awareness, and creativity
Creative practices encourage children to seek unconventional solutions, to combine diverse knowledge, and to take initiative. Particularly valuable are tasks related to geometric transformations—symmetry, rhythmic patterns, and translation (spatial movement)—which help develop spatial intelligence and foundational geometric understanding.
4. Formation of teamwork and social communication skills
Team-based mathematical games foster collaboration, listening, negotiation, and the sharing of responsibilities—skills important not only in mathematics but in children's overall development.
5. Support for individual learning pace and style
Creative activities allow for differentiation—each child can participate according to their own abilities, interests, and level of readiness. This enhances confidence and self-esteem in working with mathematical concepts.
6. Stimulation of motor activity and holistic development
Math-oriented physical games combine cognitive tasks with physical movement, which is of particular importance in early childhood. This results in holistic development—intellectual, emotional, and physical.

The article presents a model designed for use with preschool-aged children, aiming to support the process of preparing them for formal schooling. The model has been developed in accordance with children’s developmental characteristics. At its core lies the concept of active, experiential, and play-based learning, in which the child is not a passive recipient of information, but an active participant in the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and social habits.

The article emphasizes key areas of school readiness—development of cognitive abilities, language skills, mathematical literacy, social adaptability, and emotional resilience. The proposed model includes specific pedagogical practices and methodological solutions adapted to the real-life context of the kindergarten setting. Special attention is given to the integration of interdisciplinary links and the combination of educational content with play and creative-artistic activities.

In conclusion, the article offers practical guidelines for preschool teachers and educators, highlighting the importance of an individualized approach, creativity in teaching, and cooperation with parents as essential factors for a successful transition to school.

Keywords: Preschool Mathematics Education, Creative Learning Practices, Interdisciplinary Approach, Cognitive and Social Development.