Magical Addition: Fun & Engaging Ways to Build Fluency Within 20
If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on way to build addition fluency within 20, let me introduce you to one of my classroom favorites — Magical Addition!This game is part of my Numbers to 20 Math Game Bundle and it has become a go-to during math centers and small group time. Students love the interactive, grid-style format, and teachers love how much meaningful practice is happening.
Why This Game Works
Fluency within 20 isn’t just about memorizing facts — it’s about building flexible thinking and strong number combinations.With Magical Addition, students:
- Review addition facts within 20 in a playful way
- Strengthen number sense and part-part-whole understanding
- Practice fact recall in a low-pressure environment
- Engage in math talk while working with partners or small groups
The game can be played with number tiles or dry erase markers, making it easy to prep and perfect for centers.
And because it feels like play, students stay engaged while building confidence with their facts.
You can find the game here:
👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-Within-20-Math-Game-for-First-Grade-Math-Centers-Small-Group-Activi-12336920
Bonus Warm-Up Game: Mini Whiteboard Magic
Want a quick and exciting way to start math time?Try this simple whole-group warm-up using mini whiteboards!
Materials:
- Mini whiteboard
- Dry erase marker
- 2 dice
- Number cards (within 20)
- Divide the whiteboard into 4 sections.
- Roll 2 dice to generate 4 unique numbers and write one number in each section.
- Choose a number card (for example, 5).
- Roll one die and see if the number card and one of the written numbers combine to make a match within 20.
Example:
If 11 is written on the board and you roll a 6 while holding the 5 card, 5 + 6 = 11 — clear it!
We like to imagine a skating polar bear who “skates” the solved numbers off the board at the end. 🐻❄️⛸️ It adds just enough imagination to make fluency practice feel magical.
This is such a great way to warm up as a mini group before diving into centers!
You can watch this whiteboard game in action over on my Instagram page!
It’s perfect to display on your interactive board during math centers or morning work to create a fun, celebratory atmosphere around learning addition facts.
You can download the free wallpaper here:
👉 https://www.fromthepond.com/wallpapers
Because sometimes a little visual magic goes a long way in motivating our learners.
If you’re working on number combinations and fluency within 20, Magical Addition plus the whiteboard warm-up is such a fun and engaging way to build confidence and excitement in your classroom.
Let me know if you try it — I love hearing stories about your classroom!
We like to imagine a skating polar bear who “skates” the solved numbers off the board at the end. 🐻❄️⛸️ It adds just enough imagination to make fluency practice feel magical.
This is such a great way to warm up as a mini group before diving into centers!
You can watch this whiteboard game in action over on my Instagram page!
Set the Mood with Magical Math Energy ✨
To make your Addition Week even more special, I’ve created a FREE classroom electronic board wallpaper with an addition-star-magic, math-kid vibe to build excitement while you’re playing the game.It’s perfect to display on your interactive board during math centers or morning work to create a fun, celebratory atmosphere around learning addition facts.
You can download the free wallpaper here:
👉 https://www.fromthepond.com/wallpapers
Because sometimes a little visual magic goes a long way in motivating our learners.
If you’re working on number combinations and fluency within 20, Magical Addition plus the whiteboard warm-up is such a fun and engaging way to build confidence and excitement in your classroom.
Let me know if you try it — I love hearing stories about your classroom!
