This addition and subtraction activity turns learning math facts into a game!
It’s week two in the K-2 Math Activities Series! I’m teaming up with two other bloggers to bring you a total of three new math activities each week!
This week we’re featuring games that focus on operations. Since my game is for second graders, I created a game that will give kids a chance to practice addition and subtraction – with a little problem solving thrown in.
(This post contains affiliate links.)
Print a game board for your child and provide the dice. We don’t have a second grader at home, so I pulled this out to use with my first grader. We started with the three dice version, since he enjoys math.
To play
- Roll the dice.
- Start with one number. Then add or subtract the numbers on the other dice to make a new number.
- Dot or color the number that you made. (We love our Do-a-Dot markers.)
- When you get four in a row, the game is over.
For example
6+2=8 / 8+4 = 12
6–2=4 / 4+4 = 8
4–2=2 / 2+6=8
2+4=6 / 6-6=0
In the above example, you see just some of the answers you could get with the dice labeled 6, 2, and 4.
You may find that your chidl takes the easy way out (as did mine) by simply adding the dice instead of trying to mix up addition and subtraction. That works for a little while, but it probably won’t work if they are going to get 4 in a row.
For some children, the three dice version may be too hard. Print the two dice version instead. Just remind them that when they subtract, they have to start with the larger number.
For kids who are ready for a challenge, give them the four dice version. Encourage them to try to get four in a row with as few rolls of the dice as possible. This way, instead of just adding or subtracting the dice in a random fashion, they’ll problem solve to get a particular number which is close to the ones they’ve already colored.
Enjoy this addition and subtraction game!
Don’t miss the other new games this week!
To see the whole series, click on the image below.
© 2016 – 2018, Anna G. All rights reserved.
Sally says
Thank you for sharing all the games and activities that you create on your own time. You make a difference in many classrooms across the nation.
Anna Geiger says
Thank you so much, Sally!
Suzie Homemaker says
I agree with 2 and 3 of todays blog. I’m with you. # 3 before computer’s I was in the library looking for the next interesting subject to read about. up and down the rows of books till I found something that struck me as something to study. I hate ball sports. I love to just walk and run by myself. no team, no competition. or swim. or CC ski. or snowshoe. #1 I’m not a twin but everyone thought my adopted brother and I were when we were little. 10 months apart and he is my blood line 1st cousin.
I cant wait to read #4.
Anna Geiger says
It sounds like we are a lot alike. 🙂 If you’d like to know more about me, you might enjoy this post. I wrote it a few years ago, but most of it is still true: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/getting-to-know-the-measured-mom/
Mary Westerlind says
Love the Lego Addition/Subtraction Games!!! Thank you for sharing, they’re already printed and I can’t wait to use them with my class!
Anna Geiger says
Yay! Have fun with them, Mary!
Cheryl Oakley says
Thank you so much for all the games and activities that you have shared! My kindies really enjoy all the games too! You are so awesome to share.
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome Cheryl!
Tricia Stohr-Hunt says
Thank you for this great resource. I think I may vary the directions and try it with 2 students playing on the same board.
Anna Geiger says
You’re welcome, Tricia!
María says
Thank you very much for sharing your useful resources. They are really a great help.
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Maria!
Lisa M Jacobs says
I just wanted to say thank you for your great resources. I can’t wait to see how the kids enjoy the dice games.
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Lisa! I hope you find many helpful resources on my site.
Fiona Jackson says
Thanks so much for the ‘dice sheets’ – its all about the FUN when teaching young kids
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Fiona!
Ginamarie Roy says
Thank you for all your wonderful free resources! My first graders love them!
Anna G says
You’re welcome, Ginamarie!
Kathy says
Thanks for the game ideas! I’m looking forward to using some of them.
Just a math note – please model correct mathematical notation.
In an example for Make That Number you wrote:
6-2=4+4=8
I know this is how we commonly write two number sentences when we build off of the first answer but this is not mathematically correct.
6-2 does NOT equal 4+4 or 8. Please write as separate number sentences. 6-2=4 4+4 = 8
Thanks!
Anna G says
Thanks for pointing that out, Kathy! I had intended to write them as a sort of transcription of what would be stated aloud; but I can see that in print it doesn’t work mathematically and is actually quite confusing. I fixed it.
Allie says
Thank you for all the amazing resources. My kiddos love these games and it makes my first year of teaching less stressful!
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Allie!
Theresa says
Thank You1
Anna G says
You’re welcome, Theresa!
Michelle says
I am the lead teacher in a Self-Contained ESS middle school class. I also have 2 gen ed students come in for math and reading to support their peers. We played this games and everyone loved it! It was time for a class change and I wrote my gen ed students a note so that we could the game haha! It was a huge hit!
Anna G says
This is so wonderful to hear, Michelle! Thank you so much for letting me know! 🙂