5 Fun Ways to Teach with Dice

using dice in the classroom

Just a few more weeks left, friends! Summer is upon us, though, I am not sure what that even means at this point, right?! I just know that I am ready to be done with homeschooling my kids (and I am sure you are, too).  Ha!  Not that I haven’t enjoyed having them home. It has been an adventure for sure and I am really digging back into my teaching chops and finding all sorts of creative ways to work with them. Plus, they have been so helpful! I mean, have you seen their read aloud and directed drawing videos? And don’t even get me started on how they have been my little assistants. They are truly gems, for sure.

But since we are STILL in this together, I thought I would continue providing y’all with some helpful tips for using fun things you may have lying around the classroom or home to use in your instruction.

So, let’s talk about dice! I know you definitely have to have some of these hanging out at home right? Maybe from a board game? Well, I think they can be a great accompaniment to your next math lesson and kids will get a thrill out of rolling the dice! I am breaking down five fun ways to use dice in your next math lesson and this can certainly go from classroom to home. Bonus: I have a FREEBIE inside to get you started!

Using Dice to Practice Equal Groups

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This is a fun way for students to practice working with equal groups! You can begin by having students create an equal groups booklet like this one from my 2nd Grade Magic of Math Unit. Using dice,  students will roll to get their numbers.  Students put the same amount in each group on that page by drawing dots, using objects or they can use stickers/stamps to feed the animals.  Students count the groups (given) and how many are in each group then create a multiplication equation to go with each page. So simple, yet effective and kids will love “feeding” the animals! Also, you can find these cute little foam dice here. {Amazon Aff Link}

Using Dice to Create Number Bonds

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Students can practice some arts and crafts to create their own number bonds out of construction paper or you can use this printable.  You can then have them roll the dice twice to get a number for each part.  Students will write those two numbers on their recording sheets (or they can use objects!) in the parts section and join the two parts to make a whole.  Students count up their counters to find the total and record the problem created on their recording sheets. I find this method to be the easiest solution for practicing number bonds. Students can grasp this concept fairly quickly and the dice just add an exciting element.

Using Dice to Practice Counting Coins

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Money, Money, Money! If you’re looking for a fun way to make counting coins easier, then this is for you. Students review counting coins with a partner or independently.  Using a six-sided dice,  you can have your students roll the dice up to 5 times. Using the Roll and Count printable or you can create your own, students can draw the coins that they roll. Once they have completed their turn, students will add up the value of their collection of coins. If you have some extra “real” coins lying around, you can make it that much more fun!

Using Dice to Compare Numbers

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Pair students up to play a game of roll and compare!  Each student will roll the dice to form two separate numbers (you decide how many digits you want the numbers to be).  Then, the partners will compare the two numbers. Each student will choose a different color marker or crayon and the student who has the greater number will color their number.  At the end of the game, the student with the most colored numbers is the winner!  Afterwards, students work on comparing three numbers either with their partner or on their own. They will continue rolling dice to form three numbers and compare using the symbols. This is a great way to get siblings involved at home, too! So I am giving you this activity as a FREEBIE below! Also, you can find these polyhedral dice I used here. {Amazon Aff Link}.

Using Dice to Practice Ten Frames

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Mixing dice with ten frame practice is a lot like playing a board game! You can create a large ten frame for the class using a large print of 10 boxes and circles or you can have your students create individual ones and use cups or some other manipulative you have on hand. To play, students will roll the dice to get a number and with instruction, students can fill up their ten frames with the given number starting at the top left and working their way to the bottom right! If you’re completing this as a group, you can have the students follow along with you on a recording sheet. It may be a good idea to place the sheets into plastic sleeves or page protectors so students can erase and continue filling in with each number.

Roll and Compare FREEBIE for you!

Now for the fun part! You can download the roll and compare activity for free! The Download will include a printable activity sheet for you to use with your students.

Subscribe below to grab your FREEBIE!  Once you subscribe, check your email (make sure it isn’t in SPAM), and click “Confirm Subscription” The document will download immediately after!  If you are using a school email address, it may not work.  Many districts block emails such as these!  Use a personal email address, and you should be good to go! It’s also best if you put this email on your SAFE/NOT SPAM list: [email protected].

Even if you have already subscribed to my newsletters, you can still put your information in the box below. You will receive the confirmation link and download through your email.

Roll and Compare

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    Hi, I'm Amy

    Hey, y’all! My name is Amy Lemons and I am passionate about providing students with both engaging and effective standards-based Math and ELA lessons.

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