“Number Before Race (1 to 5)”
KNPIG ID #Nb 1112.1
What's this activity about?
The classic game board that kids and parents are so familiar with is incorporated in this engaging game. The game board is a pathway where each space contains a single numeral one through four. During game play, on a child’s turn the child will roll a cube* to get a number and determine the number before. Move the game piece to the next space containing that number. For example, if a child rolls a five, they will move to the next space on the path containing a four. The first person to reach the "winner" space wins the game.
What materials do we need?
Number Cube with sides labeled {2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5}, Number Before Race (1 to 5) Game Board, Game tokens, numeral cards 1 to 5 (a numeral track with a 1 to 5 insert may be used in place of numeral cards)
*Use this virtual die in place of the number cubes in the directions. You can then choose to customize your die to match your gameboard.*
How do we play?
All players put their tokens on the start space. Place the numeral cards in order in a line. Turn cards one, two, three and four face down.
On a turn, players will roll the number cube and find and turn over the card with that number. Player will then say the number before. Turn over the card before, if the player is correct they may move to the next space on the board with the number before
*For example, if you roll a four, turn over the four card, say "I think 3 is before 4", check that three is correct by turning over the card, then move your token to the next three on the game board.*
Return any cards still face up, except the five, face down before the next player's turn.
First player to reach the Winner space wins the game.
Where’s the Math?
This game has a lot to do with what your child is learning in school. They are learning how to sequence (order numbers) forward and backward. It is important to learn and master this skill before they start adding and subtracting numbers in that sequence. Kids will also become better at counting from any number instead of always having to start at one and will become more familiar with the patterns that make up our base-10 number system.
Things to Think About:
As always, remember when working with children be patient. This is a new skill for kindergarteners and they will need a lot of practice with counting backwards. 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. You can help your child by using a number line from one to six. (A ruler would be a convenient substitution for a number line). Your child may want to count forward to figure out the number before and this is OK at first. Your child needs to come up with quicker ways to figure out how to get the number before. Practicing counting backwards may help your child become more comfortable going in that direction.
You can also practice counting backwards in other areas in real life. Walk backwards through the house within five steps and count the steps as you go. When removing groceries from bags, start with five and see how far you can get counting backward. All these are great ways to reinforce this skill.
**If you enjoyed this game, try Number After Race**
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