"Tic Tac Toe"
KNPIG ID #Nf 1107.0
What's this activity about?
This activity brings the fun of tic tac toe to the skill of counting one to five. You will use the printable five frame game boards and number cards to try to make a line of the numerals one to five in the proper order. You will take turns picking cards, counting forward and placing them on your boards. The winner is the first to fill their game board with the numerals in order from one to five.
What materials do we need?
Five-frame game board for each player with rectangles large enough for numeral cards to fit inside; three or four sets of numeral cards 1 - 5 (see link)
How do we play?
1. Mix the number cards up and put them face down where you can’t see the numbers.
2. Player 1 draws a card from the stack and reads the number aloud.
3. Next, player 1 counts back from the number on the card to 1, and then place the number card in the correct slot on the five frame game board.
4. Players take turns.
5. The first player to fill all five spaces is the winner.
Where’s the Math?
This activity has a lot to do with what your child is learning in school. Your child is learning how to count forward and backward with numbers one through five. They are also learning where numbers are in order. While working with the game board and cards, your child will see and practice how the numbers are ordered verbally and visually. You will also practice counting forward and backward out loud. This will help your child reach the goal of reading numerals and counting backward from five to one.
Things to Think About:
Remember when working with children BE PATIENT. This is a new skill for kindergarteners and they will need a lot of practice with counting one to five. Giving children time to think helps them develop critical thinking skills and deeper understanding of concepts. It’s hard not to help them along when they are struggling. Instead of giving them the answer, allow them to use their fingers so they can visualize going up one and then count the fingers to say the next number. Repeat this process, while counting aloud. Once this skill is gained, you will have fun reinforcing this new learning with them.
**If you and your child enjoy this game try it counting backward also!**
Feedback
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