One of the things I love most about the Math Kit Play Mats is how flexible they are. Whether you’re working on addition, subitizing, number bonds, or comparing numbers, these spinners can be used in so many ways. Today, I’m sharing a fun and simple math warm-up you can try right away—perfect for centers, early finishers, or a quick math meeting starter.
Warm-Up: Roll, Spin, Cover!
You’ll need:- Two number spinners (one to 5, or two to 10—whatever suits your learners)
- A 12- or 20-sided die
- Math Kit play mats or spinner cards
- Counters or something to cover numbers
- Roll the die – This is your target number.
- Spin both spinners – You're trying to find a pair (one number from each spinner) that adds up to your target.
- Found a match? Cover both numbers.
- Keep going – Roll again and look for a new pair.
- Game ends when no more matches can be made.
- Score it! Add up the uncovered numbers—that’s your score.
they play.
What’s Next? A Follow-Up Whole Group Lesson
After this warm-up, extend the learning with a whole group lesson focused on making ten using two addends.Use number lines, ten frames, or connecting cubes to model the combinations that came up during the game, helping students see patterns and build fluency with sums to ten.
Stay Connected for More Math Play Ideas
If this activity sparked some ideas, make sure you’re following along for more! I share playful strategies and ready-to-go resources on both the blog and Instagram to help you keep math fresh, fun, and meaningful.And if you’re ready to try the spinners, you can grab them here:
👉 Numbers to 5 Printable Math Counters
