Boost Addition Fluency with the Frog Five Frame Game: A Fun Approach for Early Elementary Students

As the school year begins, first and second-grade teachers are gearing up to refresh their students' addition skills. Fluency in addition is crucial at this stage, and a fun, interactive approach can make all the difference in keeping students engaged and motivated. One excellent way to achieve this is through hands-on games and activities that reinforce addition facts and strategies.

One such game that fits perfectly into this learning framework is the Frog Five Frame Game, which combines visual aids and interactive play to enhance addition skills. Let’s dive into how this game works and how you can incorporate it into your classroom to support your students' development. You might have seen it over on my Instagram Reel!

The Math Kit From the Pond

How to play the Frog Five Frame Game:

Roll the Dice:

Students start by rolling dice, up to five times. Each roll is recorded on a Frog Five Frame—a visual aid that helps track progress and visualize numbers.

Draw a Card:

After each dice roll, students draw a Rainbow Addition Fact card. For example, if they roll a 3 and draw a +5 card, they will add these numbers together.

Add It Up:

Using their chosen addition strategy (such as counting on), students calculate the total. They can do this independently or in pairs, with one student calculating and the other listening and verifying the answer

single digit addition game

addition facts

Versatile Play Options:

Pairs:

Students can work in pairs where one student performs the addition while the other observes or assists. This collaboration encourages discussion and reinforces understanding.

Independent Play:

Students can play individually, marking their answers on the five frame. This option is great for those who prefer working alone or for reinforcing skills in a one-on-one setting.

Small Group:

The game can be adapted for small group instruction, where the teacher guides each student through the process, ensuring that everyone gets hands-on practice and feedback.

addition rainbow cards

No Special Materials? No Problem!


If you don’t have access to the Frog Five Frame and Rainbow Addition Fact cards, you can easily adapt the game with basic materials. Simply use a whiteboard and marker to draw a five frame, roll two dice, and use counters or marks to represent the numbers. This version provides a similar interactive experience and can be a great backup when resources are limited.

Why This Game Works:

The Frog Five Frame Game integrates visual aids and physical activity, making abstract addition concepts more concrete for young learners. By rolling dice and using a five frame, students engage multiple senses, which helps reinforce their understanding and recall of addition facts. Additionally, the game’s flexibility in play options allows you to tailor the activity to fit different classroom dynamics and learning styles.

Get Started:

To bring the Frog Five Frame Game into your classroom, watch our REEL for a quick review. It provides you an idea of the game in action, making it easy for you to implement right away. Let me know if you need some more help!

Transform your math instruction with this engaging game and watch your students' addition skills flourish! 🌈🐸📚

  • find the Math Kit with frog and rainbow cards ready to print in my TPT store
  • find more ideas for addition here
  • find more support for back to school here