“Number Before Race (within 100)”
KNPIG ID #Nb 1112.5
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 number. During game play, on a student's turn the student will roll a cube to get a number then figure out the number after. The first person to reach the “winner” space wins the game! *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.*
What materials do we need?
Number Before Race (within 100) Game Board, number cube with sides labeled {40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90} Game tokens *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?
Place tokens on the Start space. You and your child or children will take turns rolling the dice. On a player’s turn determine the number before the number on the cube. For example, if you roll a 40, move your token to the next 39. First player to the winner space wins!
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, or order numbers, forward and backward. It is important to learn and master this skill before they start adding and subtracting larger numbers. 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. As advancing students, they are becoming more fluent in counting across decuples. This game gives them practice moving from the decade to the previous decuple.
Things to Think About:
As always, when working with children, remember to be patient. This activity targets counting backward through the decuple, i.e. 20 to 19, 30 to 29, a common hurdle for kids when counting within 100. This may be a more difficult concept at first but try to let your child come up with their own strategy to make counting through easier. It may be beneficial to look at place value at this point. Make sure they are not only paying attention to the change in the ones place, but also the change in the tens. When crossing the decade, some students find it very helpful to think about the act of "crossing" from one decade family to the next.
If your child is struggling in other places within the counting sequence, the blank game board can be used to create a customized game. Some children may have no problem with decuples, but may struggle elsewhere. Pay attention to their counting patterns, and continue to practice counting with them until they feel more comfortable on their own. Remember to have fun!
*If you and your child enjoy this game, try Number Before Race for more fun!*
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