Array Capture
Here’s how the game is played:
The first player rolls two dice. Those numbers are the dimensions of their array. (For example, if a player rolls a 4 and a 5, they will build an array measuring 4 by 5.)
The first player colors in their array with their color (player 2 will have a different color). Then, they write their multiplication sentence in the middle of their shaded array (For example, 4 x 5 = 20) On the first roll, players must place their array in the starting square. However, all future arrays only need to be touching an existing array on one side.
Player two rolls next and continues in the same fashion, but from their corner. If a player cannot create an array because there is no space left, they lose a turn.
The player to capture the most squares wins!
Combine Art and Math
This is a creative way to teach math facts. Start by drawing the center of a flower and write any number from 1 to 9 in the middle. Next, draw 12 petals around the center, labeling them 1 through 12. Last, draw another 12 petals and write the sum or product of the center number and the petal adjacent to the new petal.
This can work with addition or multiplication.
Have a Ball Learning Math Facts!
Beach balls are so much fun in the classroom! Scribble numbers all over one with a Sharpie, then toss it to a student. Wherever their thumbs land, they add (or subtract or multiply) those two numbers together before tossing the ball to the next student.
This can work with addition, subtraction, or multiplication.
101 and Out!
Back-to-Back
Four IN a Row Subtraction
Player 1 chooses 2 numbers from the number track and places a transparent counter on each. Player one completes the math students and marks an X on the difference on the game board.
Player 2 repeats.
The player with 4 in a row wins!
Counting Plates
Switch your ‘sorting center’ to a ‘counting center’ by simply adding paper plates with numbers!
Students will use the objects from your sorting bin to count items to match the numeral on the plate.
Number Bump
Roll and Add
Students roll two (or more) dice and add them together. Use dice with numbers instead of pips to kick this center up a notch or to differentiate. Another way to add another layer to the center is to have them write the equation and sum.
Add manipulatives for younger learners or to differentiate.
The Crayons' Book of Numbers (PK - 1)
Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane is a sing-along. Count along with werewolves, goblins, witches, and other Halloween monsters from 1 to 10. The rhythm and rhyme makes this a good choice for a circle time read-aloud.
2 x 2 = Boo! (3rd - 4th)
2 x 2 = Boo is a cute Halloween-themed multiplication concept book that works any time of the year. In short chapters that each focuses on one number (from 0-5), vampires, witches, skeletons and other creepy crawlies pose and answer ghoulish questions that not only teach multiplication facts but also visually illustrate the equation being covered.
It's was a Halloween Night... A Scary Math Story - with Tangrams! (2nd - 4th)
Angry about being given a tangram puzzle instead of candy, trick-or-treater, Greedy Pete smashes it and finds it pursuing him as it rearranges itself into various animals.
