Math Skill Games with Dice
Children improve their math skills with dice games -learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, division -basic arithmetic facts
Jan 8, 2007
Addition, subtraction, division and multiplication practice- Who doesn't need it? With a set or two of simple dice a child can play math games and improve his skills dramatically. These simple games can be played alone or as a group.The rules can be adjusted easily to fit the needs of any age group.
Add 'em up! Start with two dice and have the players shake and roll the dice. Add the number of dots mentally. One player gets to throw the dice and give answers until he misses and then the play moves to the next player. When this gets too easy, add another die. Then two more and so on.
Subtract the dots! Start with by throwing two of the dice. Now roll the third. Subtract mentally the second number from the first. Increase the difficulty by progressing from three dice to three and one, then three and two, then four and two, etc.
Multiply Fly! You may need a handy multiplication chart for this one. Start with two dice and let the first player throw the dice and multiply the two numbers together until another player catches him in an error. Then the dice move to the next player. Progress by adding one dice to either throw at a time.
Divide and Conquer! For this game the players will need paper pads and pencils. The leader rolls up to six dice at once. Players try to add up the dots and be the first to call out the total. Now everyone writes the number as their dividend. The leader then throws one die. The players try to divide the last into the dividend. The first to call out the correct answer wins and gets roll the dice for the next problem.
These simple games are fun because everyone loves rolling dice. I have some of different sizes and colors and these add interest but I find that the differences are a distraction to some students and that the best results are had by using all large white dice with black dots. Leave the dice out for impromptu games and to encourage practice. Make up your own games and rules. Adjust to grade level and abilities of the players. All four of these games use addition, of course, and soon the players will be adding with greater speed and not needing to count dots aloud.
