This is when each child gets to practice playing with a partner. The format is consistent across all the games, so the kids become familiar with the structure pretty quickly.Īfter I model how to play the game, I answer their questions and then pair them up. Specifically, I show them the parts of the sheet: In a whole-group setting, I model how to play the game. When I’m ready to supplement my math instruction, I pick a game that supports the skill we’re working on. All you need is something to help the children keep their place in the game. (Pictured in top photo.) Don’t want to buy game pieces? We’ve also used pom poms and dried beans. These RAINBOW GAME PIECESaren’t totally necessary, but the kids love them. I also grabbed a deck of cards and some fun dice from the dollar store. The games are designed for partners and use manipulatives that are common in most math sets, like counters, Unifix cubes, and base ten blocks. Her second S stood for a different word, but you get the point. I remembered what my mentor teacher used to tell me. And I wondered, “Can I get each game on one sheet?” I wanted the games to be aligned with our standards AND easy to play. In fact, I started making these MATH GAMES years ago to help our students review skills they were learning in math.
Math games for 1st graders don’t have to be expensive or complicated.
