Fact Strategy Dice Game

The other day I was chatting with Ms. Amanda, our school Math Specialist*, and because we both love math so much we ended up chatting about math. She shared a game idea with me and I had to try it with the crew. They all really liked it and it was a great way to practice some of the fact strategies that we have been learning. We will be playing this game frequently in math class. Here are the rules if you would like to play it at home with your child.

Fact Strategy Dice Game

You will need: 3 dice

Rules for playing: Players take turns rolling the three dice and finding the total number of dots represented. Encourage players to try and make a ten or find doubles facts for any other strategy to help add the numbers easily and quickly. You could keep score by giving a point to the player with the highest total on each round but it isn't necessary.

Example: Player 1 rolls a 3, a 4 and a 6. They should mentally group the 4 and 6 to make a ten and then add the 3 to the ten for a total of 13.

Player 2 rolls a 6, a 2 and a 6. They could mentally add the 6 and 6 - a doubles fact - to get a 12 and then add the 2 to the 12 for a total of 14.

After playing the game, the crew thought that it would be fun to add more dice as you got better at adding. You could also just use 2 dice for students who need to work with smaller numbers.

*Ms. Amanda is the Math Specialist in our school. She works with students in all grades - K through 6 and she coaches teachers to help them improve their math instruction. She works to meet all kinds of student needs in math - those who are working above grade level and need more challenge, those who are working below grade level and need more support and those in between. We are so glad to have Ms. Amanda in our classroom during math 2 days a week. The crew loves her and she is such a great support to all of us.

Home Learning ~ Read a good book or two or try an online book. Check out a Bedtime Math story, play a math game or visit the Resources for Students page of our crew blog for online books and math games.

Important Dates

2/14 Valentine's Day Party 11:45 am - everyone is invited to attend

2/16 No School - Professional Development Day for Teachers

2/19 No School - President's Day

2/22 First Grade Winter Voyage (Day trip - no day of rest)

3/6 Life is Art Fundraiser - Get your tickets here.

3/19 - 4/2 Spring Break