So simple. So visual. And best of all — the kids do the thinking.
The idea is to roll 2 dice, draw 3 number cards, and then challenge students to find a number relationship between the three. Think:
- 5, 2, and 7 → “Oh! 5 + 2 = 7.”
- 2, 3, and 6 → “That’s double 3!” or “2 groups of 3 make 6.”
It’s a brilliant way to strengthen number sense, encourage flexible thinking, and spark rich math conversations.
Not every learner is ready to recognize number relationships on the fly — and that’s OK. This is where gentle differentiation comes in, without needing a whole new activity.
Try this entry-level warm-up variation:
- Roll 2 dice
- Mark those numbers on a number line
- Talk. Compare. Count. Wonder.
Use counters, number lines, and oral counting strategies. Make the numbers with manipulatives. Ask open-ended questions like:
- “What do you notice about these two numbers?”
- “Which is more? Which is less?”
- “How far apart are they?”
- “Can you count from one to the other?”
The goal? Build confidence and number sense through math talk — not just answers. These conversations help reveal where students are at, and what foundational ideas may need to be revisited in targeted small groups.
Keep it playful. Keep it visual. Keep it talk-based.
This approach helps all learners access the math in a way that meets them where they are — and nudges them forward.
Teacher tip:
This warm-up pairs beautifully with the new FUN dice in Math Kit Bundle 2 — now updated to match the Big Fun Numbers classroom decor! Numerals and dots, 0–10, ready for number play.
Save this idea for your next math warm-up, and don’t forget: when we slow down and listen to student thinking, that’s where the magic really happens.
Save this idea for your next math warm-up, and don’t forget: when we slow down and listen to student thinking, that’s where the magic really happens.