Rolling the Dice

Rolling the Dice

Using simple tools such as a die or dice is a great way to have children learn their math facts. Here are some simples ways to have children learn addition, multiplication and for more advanced students, try the game of the "24" to challenge knowledge of order of operations.

Materials Needed:
Grades 1-3: 2-3 dice
Grades 4-5: 2-3 dice
Grades 6-8: 4 dice

Grades 1-3
The basic starting point for using dice for learning and reviewing math facts is to have the child roll two dice and add them together. Have the child keep track of each score. Whoever reaches 500 first wins.

If your child has advanced beyond that point, make it more challenging by using three dice. Roll the first die for a target number. Then roll the other two dice until together they add up to the target number of the first die. Add all the various rolls together and the person that has a total of 500 first, wins!

Grade 4-5 

The basic starting point for using dice for children in Grades 4-5, is to roll two dice and have the child multiply them together. If you child is more advanced, have the child roll two dice and add them together and then repeat. Then multiple the two sums. Keep track of each score and the first person to reach 500 first, wins!

Grades 6-8

24 Game
Roll four dice.  Take the four numbers you rolled and use them to make 24.  You can only use the four numbers, but you can use them in any way.  For example:

You roll 6 , 9 , 3 , 2.  
6 + 9 + 3² = 24
You roll 1 , 4 , 9 , 2
2(9 + 4 – 1) = 24

 This activity can be particularly challenging for some number combinations but nearly every one can be done.

These are great ways to keep your math facts sharp throughout the summer.  Have fun with it and keep checking back here for weekly activities that make math fun.