Bee-ing Fluent Within 5! A Warm-Up Game with Bee Grids & Dice Fun 🐝🎲

Hey teacher friends!

If you’re working with kindergarten students on building fluency within 5 and want a hands-on way to explore addition and number combinations, I have something sweet and simple that’s going to buzz with learning potential. 🐝

You might already have my Bee Grid cards from the Math Kit Bundle 1 – well, I’ve just given them a little glow up! In addition to the original version with bee “stripes” (rows of 3 to build subitizing skills and structure awareness), I’ve now added plain grids for open-ended play and page-sized Bee Grids for even bigger learning moments.

These versatile cards open up so many possibilities for small group work, math centers, and warm-ups at your math table. And today, I want to share just one of the many activities you can do with them – a quick, hands-on warm-up to build fluency and flexible thinking with numbers 1–5.

🐝 Warm-Up Game: Bee Grid 5s!

This activity is all about fast recognition, number combinations, and some math strategy!

You’ll need:

• A 3x3 Bee Grid for each student (use the printed version or laminate for reuse)
• A 1–3 dice (Use dot dice, numeral dice, spinner, or number cards. You can find printable versions like the heart dice, [ladybug dice], or dot cards from the Math Kit!)
• 9 small dice per student (or dry-erase markers if writing numbers)
• Optional: a bee puppet or story prop to set the scene 🐝

Set the Scene

Start with a quick bee-themed story to spark imaginations!

The bees are busy buzzing through their flower garden today. Each flower holds a little nectar treasure – just enough for 1, 2, or 3 bees. Let’s help the bees spread out their visits so every row and column has just the right amount – a total of 5!

How to Play:

• Each student gets a 3x3 grid.
• You can use laminated cards and markers or physical dice.
• Roll a 1–3 die.
• Encourage quick recognition – say the number or show it on fingers.
• Place that number on any empty square of the grid.
• You can place a matching die.
• Or write the number or draw dots.
• Repeat until the grid is full!
• Students roll and place one number at a time, making intentional choices as their grid fills.
• The goal: Create as many rows and columns that total exactly 5 as possible.

Let the Thinking Begin!

As the game goes on, students will start to:

• Think ahead about placement (“Where should I put this 2?”)
• Combine numbers mentally (“I already have a 3 and a 1 – I need a 1 here!”)
• Reflect on sums to 5 in different combinations

You might hear things like:

• “I need a 2 to finish this row!” or
• “Oh no, this column is already at 4!”

That’s the magic—playful learning, rich math talk, and lots of number fluency practice!

Why It Works

This simple warm-up blends so many foundational skills:

• Subitizing
• Counting on
• Strategy and decision-making
• Flexibility with numbers (How many ways can I make 5?)

And the best part? It’s quick to set up and adapt. Try it with partners, do a “teacher vs. students” version, or make it collaborative: “Let’s fill one grid together!”

Ready to Try It?

If you already have the Bee Grid cards from the Math Kit Bundle 1, go ahead and print out the new plain grids or page-sized versions for even more play.

If you don’t have the full bundle yet, grab the printable dice and dot cards to get started right away!

Let your little bees fly through their grids and watch the math magic happen. 

Let me know how it goes in your classroom – and if your students come up with new ways to play, I’d love to hear them!

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