"30 to 1, Tic Tac Toe"
KNPIG ID #Nb 1107.4
What's this activity about?
This activity brings the fun of Tic Tac Toe to the skill of counting back from thirty. You will use the printable tic tac toe game boards and number cards to try to make a line of the three numerals in the proper order. You will take turns picking cards, counting backwards and placing them on your boards. The winner is the first to cover three numbers in a row.
What materials do we need?
Materials: Tic Tac Toe Game Board labeled with random numbers 1-29; numeral cards 2-30 (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 places a game marker on the number that comes just before the number drawn.
3. Players take turns.
4. The first player to get three in a row 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 thirty. 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 thirty to one.
Things to Think About:
Remember when working with children BE PATIENT. Your child is either building on this skill or learning it for the first time. 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 materials so they can visualize taking one away and then count the materials left 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 your child enjoys this game, try playing it counting forward!**
Feedback
Send us your thoughts and ideas about these activities. Email the KCM
