Math Activities in First Grade: Number Sense

Y’all, math is not my favorite thing to teach or learn.  In fact, I would really rather enjoy a day full of books and reading and writing and not pay one lick of attention to anything that has to do with numbers and be alright.  But, apparently, first graders need to know math, so I guess I’ll teach it out of obligation for the greater good 😉
What I have found – in teaching a classroom full of first graders and now educating my own 6-year-old, – is that math games (or math activities disguised as games) are particularly effective in reinforcing math skills and making math seem less like math and more like F-U-N. 
I’ve also learned that the male species is rather competitive.   If there’s going to be a declared WINNER, Becks is all about it.  Even if he’s the only one playing.

I’ve focused a lot on reviewing number sense the first few weeks of school, so our daily reviews, curriculum, and games have all focused on that.

Fortunately, Guiding Firsties, the math workshop curriculum we are using (by Deanna and Deedee), has a host of game-like activities.

This is a super simple game where a pair of partners each draw a playing card.  Whoever has the greater number ‘wins’ the round and circles his number.  Play continues until play reaches ten rounds.  The winner is the player who had the greater number the most times.  Alternatively, you can play the same game with the lesser of two numbers.  
Download More is Better & Less is Best for FREE >>> HERE.

This game is called Toss, Tell, Take and is actually from a kindergarten resource pack from my sweet friend, Jonelle Bell at A Place Called Kindergarten.  Since subitizing has been a big focus, this activity was perfect!  {Check out her pack >>> HERE}
A little video I captured of Mr. Competitive playing – and also shows you how easy it would be for your kiddos to play independently at a center!  
If you want some quick FREE games for practicing counting up and back, Cara has a TON of themed game boards.  Check out her post >>> HERE.  
This week, we are using Susan’s {at TGIF!} Number Sense Pack (find it >>> HERE).  Yesterday, Becks put together her Number Line Remake.  We loooooooved it and it was more challenging than putting together a normal number line.  
Susan just wrote a whole post about the activities included (and she also has a pack for numbers to 120 that you can find >>> HERE).  Read her post >>> HERE.  
What are you favorite number sense activities?

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AbbyMullins

Abby is a former kindergarten and first grade teacher who channels her passion for education into creating engaging activities and resources for the kindergarten and first grade classroom. When not dreaming up or working on her next project, you’ll find her enjoying her family – most likely in her minivan on the way to a soccer field.

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