This is a simple idea that will engage all of your students and can be used in a variety of ways to reinforce math skills. It's perfect if you finish a lesson early or have five minutes at the end of the day.
Make a set of “show me” cards for each child by writing the numerals 0-10 on 3” squares of heavy cardstock. Have children store these cards in a zip bag in their desk. When you have a few extra minutes, ask the children to get their cards and arrange them on the floor or table in numerical order from 0-10. Use the cards for some of the games below.
How Many?
Clap, snap, or stomp a set. Show me how many. (Students hold up the correct card.)
- How many toes do you have? Show me.
- How many days in the week? Show me.
Sets
Make a set with felt pieces on the flannel board. Show me how many.
Mystery Number
I’m thinking of a number between 4 and 6. Show me. I’m thinking of a number two more than seven. Show me.
Math Facts
4 plus 2. Show me. 9 minus 3. Show me.
Number Stories
I had four pennies. I found three more. Show me how many I have in all.
Fact Families
Call out numbers in a fact family. Can children write the equations in that fact family?
Decompose Numbers
How many ways can you make seven?
Expanded Notation
Put 3 in the tens spot and two in the ones spot. What’s the number?
Odd and Even
Sort the odd and even numbers.
Slap Happy Math
Children get a partner and lay a set of numeral cards on the floor between them. The teacher calls out different math problems. The first child to slap the correct numeral gets a point.
