This spring we’re doing a lot of ladybug math! I designed this printable addition game with my Five in mind.
(This post contains affiliate links.)
Printable Addition Game
The game board has the numbers 2-12, as these are the numbers you will get when you add two dice together. The most commonly rolled numbers are used the most, with 2 and 12 appearing only once each. We grabbed a pair of dice and some power magnets so that we could play on a baking sheet.
We took turns rolling the dice and adding the numbers together. Then we covered their sum. If that number had already been covered up, the turn was over.
My daughter can easily look at a die and tell the number it displays without counting the dots (this is called subitizing), but I noticed her counting each individual dot to get the sum. While this is appropriate for children who need to use that strategy, I know that she can do mental math.
I encouraged her to to look at the larger number of dots, name it, and then count up. She tried this a bit, but often went back to counting the dots. For that reason I would like to get a pair of numbered dice so that she’s really practicing addition facts instead of just counting. You could easily make your own numbered dice by buying two small wooden blocks at a craft store and writing on the sides. I’ll add that to my Michael’s shopping list. 🙂
When we finished the game, we’d covered the entire board except for the 2. We tried for a long time to get 1+1, but agreed to end early when it just wasn’t showing up!
My daughter enjoyed this, and it gave her some great math practice without using flash cards.
Here are some other great resources!
© 2013 – 2020, Anna G. All rights reserved.
Lusine says
wow,love this idea,awesome!
annageig says
Thank you, Lusine!
Keitha says
Cute game! Thanks for sharing.
annageig says
Thanks for stopping by, Keitha!
Annette @ InAllYouDo says
What a cute game!!!! Thanks for sharing on TGIF! I’ve pinned and shared this myself.
Blessings,
Annette
annageig says
Thank you so much, Annette!
Tara from The Magnolia Barn says
This is adorable. You have some fantastic resources!
Jill says
What a super fun and cute game! Thank you for sharing this game this week on the Hearts for Home Blog Hop. We can’t wait to see what you link up next week!
annageig says
You’re welcome, Jill – and thanks so much for the comment.
Debs says
Thanks for linking to Tuesday Tots. I’ve featured you on Learn with Play at home this week 🙂
annageig says
Thanks so much for the feature, Debs!
Deb @ Living Montessori Now says
What a wonderful idea for a printable! Thanks for so generously sharing it! I featured your post as the Free Printable of the Day at the Living Montessori Now Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LivingMontessoriNow (and on Pinterest)
annageig says
Thank you so much, Deb!
Edna Siu says
Anna, it is a wonderful idea to get kids to learn math without hustle. I Pin it so more parents and teachers can come to know you and your sources.
Anna Geiger says
Thank you so much for pinning, Edna!
Murièle K says
Another good exercise for my pupils!!! Thanks for sharing!
May I translate it into french?!
Anna Geiger says
Hello, Muriele! I’m so glad you’re finding things your students will enjoy! Part of my Terms of Use states that my printables may not be digitally edited. But you’re welcome to do some work with your copier to make the title in French, provided it is for your own personal or classroom use.
Murièle K says
Thanks a lot Anna! 😀
Keisha says
I would really love this game but for some reason I can’t download it
Anna Geiger says
Hello, Keisha! Did you click on the word HERE? It says “Get your copy of the game HERE.” It should come right up. You might want to check this page for help with common problems: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/
Robyn Haggett says
I’m a casual teacher for years K – 6 and your resources particularly following the theme of lady bugs adds a fun dimension to learning a new skill for the K – 2 group. Thank you.
Anna Geiger says
I’m so glad you’re finding things here you can use, Robyn!