Spinner/Dice Games

Note: To make a simple spinner, just place a pencil with the point down inside a paper clip in the middle of the printed spinner. Spin the paper clip.

• Plus/Minus 1:
  
  This game helps kids learn the strategy to add/subtract fluently one more or one less. Use a number die to roll a starting number and then spin the Two Sectors Spinner (+1/-1). Students have to then add or subtract 1 from the number on the die. The student can then write out the number sentence they solved.

• Doubles:
  
  Roll a die to get a starting number and then the student has to double it. For younger students, the die with number dots will help them to visually make an addition double. If this is difficult with just dice, have your child roll the die and then use the Twenty Frame with counters to make the number and then double it. (Dominoes are another great tool for the “Doubles” strategy.)

• Near Doubles:
  
  (Ex: 5 + 6 is seen as 5 + 5 = 10 plus 1 to get 11 OR 6 + 6 = 12 minus 1 to get 11)
  
  For this game, use the 0 – 9 Spinner. Double the number you land on and then spin the Two Sectors Spinner to either add one more or take one away. The child can then write out the “near doubles” fact that matches what they did.

• Any Sum/Difference:
  
  For this game, students can roll two or three dice and add or subtract the numbers they roll verbally. Dice are easy to travel with and use in most places. An easy way to manage them is to roll them or shake them in a small bowl.