Minimal Prep Math Games and FREEBIES

Part of keeping math tubs fun and engaging is switching them out semi-frequently. Because I switch them out so much, I am always looking for games that don't require too much preparation on my part. I like to fill my math tubs with simple games and activities that can be played again and again for repeated practice and can be done independently. Here are a few math game ideas that are super quick and easy to prepare!

1. Domino Mats- Write the numbers 0-12 on half sheets of colored paper and have students sort the dominoes based on their total number of dots. This simple activity helps students reinforce their counting skills, see that numbers are made up of parts (composing and decomposing), and can also serve as practice for addition. I like to have my high students pick a number and write addition sentences in their math journal for the dominoes on that number mat.

2. Double Ten Frame Mat- Give your students a double ten frame mat, some unifix cubes, and 2-3 dice or number cards 0-20. These materials can be used in so many ways, depending on your math objectives! Here are just a few of the ways you can use these materials:

• Have your students pull a number card/roll dice and build that number on their mat. Students can look at how many more they need to make 10 or how many more than 10 they have. Have them practice telling this verbally to a partner by saying, " I have ____, I need ____ more to make 10." or "I have ___. 10 and ____ makes this number." This activity really helps build students' number sense and see the numbers that make up other numbers. 

• Have students work with a partner to practice comparing numbers. Each student can pull a number card, build the number and talk about which number is greater and which number is least. Challenge them to figure out the difference between the two numbers and verbalize it using comparative language. (Ex: My number is ____ less than your number)

• Have students pull a number card/roll dice and build the number on their mat to practice their teen numbers. I challenge my students to keep the cubes on their boards and then figure out how many they will need to add/subtract to make the next number. Students can then record the number sentences they use to make each number by writing down what number they started with, how many they added or subtracted, and then the number they made. 

Click on the picture below to grab a copy of my double ten frame mat as a freebie!

3. Bump- This game is a class favorite! Add 2 dice or cards with addition facts to 12 for a fun way for students to practice addition. Players take turns rolling the dice, adding the numbers together, and covering that number with one of their unifix cubes. If another player has already covered the number, the player can "bump" their cube off of the number. If one of their own unifix cubes is on the number, the player can put another unifix cube on top of it, securing its place on the number. Whoever secures the most numbers wins! Click on the picture below to download a copy of this game in color and black and white versions as a FREEBIE!

4. Connect 5- Just add dice and sets of 2 different colored counters and your students are set to play this game!  I included a few different versions in this set so that students can practice doubles, doubles plus one, and adding two numbers together. Click on any of the pictures below to download this FREEBIE! Directions for playing are included in the file.

5. Roll, Add, Graph- Its as simple as it's name! Students can practice addition, graphing, and fine motor (writing skills) with this activity. Have students roll 2 dice, add the numbers together, and graph the number. Turn this activity into a game by having students play with a partner. Each partner can take turns rolling the dice and recording the numbers on their own page. Whoever fills up a number on their graph first wins! Click on the photo below to download this FREEBIE.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have found some of these resources to be useful!