Math Kit Warm Ups for Addition Strategies

3 Quick Math Games Using the Math Kit

Need a fast, low-prep math activity this week? These three simple games use play mats and cards from the Math Kit bundles and can be played in small groups, during centers, or as a warm-up.

Each one builds number sense, flexible thinking, and addition strategies — while keeping students engaged with hands-on play.

Here are three easy ideas you can try right away.

1. Make Ten Strategy (Addition Cloud Cards)

Focus: Making 10, flexible addition strategies, mental math

You need:

• Addition Cloud Cards
• Big Play Mats
• 2 dice

How to play

• Roll 2 dice.
• Make one number on the cloud and one on the desk mat.
• Draw an addition card.
• Look for a way to combine two of the numbers easily first.
• Add the remaining number to find the total.

Example

Roll 4 and 5
Draw +6

6 + 4 = 10
10 + 5 = 15

Tip:

• Encourage students to talk about their strategy:
• “I made ten first.”
• “I used near doubles.”
• Students can record their equation in a math journal if you want to extend the activity.

 

Puppy 3-Frame Dice Game

Focus: Efficient addition strategies, doubles, number combinations

You need:

• Puppy 3-Frame Cards + 3 dice

How to play

• Roll 3 dice.
• Place the numbers in the 3-frame.
• Reorder the dice to make adding easier.
• Find the total.

Example

• Roll 5, 5, 3
• Start with the double
• 5 + 5 = 10
• 10 + 3 = 13

Tip:

• Encourage strategies like: doubles, make ten, friendly numbers
• Then roll again and try a new strategy!

Around the Clover

Focus: Number sense, combining numbers, math talk

You need:

• Clover Play Cards - all 3 sizes
  

How to play

• Place the 3 layers of clover cards on the mat.
• Students sit around the clover.
• On a turn, a player chooses 3 numbers: one from each layer
• Combine the numbers and find the total.
• Cover those numbers with counters.
• Next player must use numbers that remain.

Tip:

• Ask students to explain:
• “How did you add those numbers?”
• Great as a 5-minute warm-up for building math language.

Make Math Playful

Hands-on math games help students see numbers, talk about strategies, and build confidence with addition.

All of these cards and play mats are included in the Math Kit Bundles and can be used in many different ways — these are just a few quick ideas to get started.

If you'd like the full set of materials, you can find the Math Kit in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Happy math playing this week!