Engage students with a fun subtraction and addition warm-up using Rainbow Number Grids!
Math warm-ups are an essential part of building number fluency, and today I’m excited to share a simple but powerful game that uses the Rainbow Number Grids from my Math Kit Bundle 2. If you’ve already grabbed this resource, you now have a brand-new way to use it! If you’re new to the Math Kit, this is a perfect introduction to its flexibility—one resource, endless possibilities.This game reinforces subtraction, difference, and number relationships within 20—all while keeping students engaged in hands-on play.
How to Play: Find the Difference
This game is designed for partners and works well as a math warm-up, mini-lesson, or independent practice.Materials:
- One Rainbow Number Grid per pair (from Math Kit Bundle 2)
- One dice
- Small counters (such as cubes, buttons, or dry-erase markers if laminated)
How to Play:
- Roll the dice.
- Look for two numbers on the grid that have a difference equal to the number rolled.Example: If a student rolls a 3, they might find 15 and 12 on their grid.
- Cover both numbers with a counter.
- The next player rolls and finds a matching number pair.
- Keep rolling and covering until no more options remain.
Why This Game Works
This game is versatile and can be used in multiple ways:- Reinforces "difference" in subtraction and the relationship between numbers.
- Helps students build fluency with addition and subtraction within 20.
- Encourages partner play, discussion, and strategic thinking.
- Can be adapted for different skill levels by using smaller or larger number grids.
Extend the Learning
- Challenge students to record their number pairs in their math journals.
- Instead of a single die, roll two dice and find pairs with the difference of the sum.
- Play with a timer to see how many pairs can be found in a set time!
- Use as a whole-group activity on a projector, having students take turns finding pairs.
More Ways to Use the Rainbow Number Grids
The Rainbow Number Grids are part of my Math Kit Bundle 2, a collection of versatile math resources that can be used for:- Counting, addition, subtraction, and strategy games
- Whole-class mini-lessons or warm-ups
- Math centers, partner games, and independent practice
- Flexible differentiation—use them in multiple ways!
Try It Out!
- Have you used the Rainbow Number Grids before? Let me know how you plan to use this game in your classroom! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see it in action!
- Ready to grab the Rainbow Number Grids? Find them in Math Kit Bundle 2