Basic fact mastery can be a hurdle, but “drill and kill” or timed tests typically aren’t the answer. While I used some websites and apps, technology wasn’t always an option and some students simply didn’t respond to the speed aspect of it either. As a result, I came up with these super simple games and self-checking coloring options. These are easy to prep and come in both color and black/white versions. The black/white looks great on colored paper and saves so much ink. Because they are so easy to print and require minimal cutting, I don’t laminate these. Print, cut, go!
First up, the game cards! They come with four to a page to make large cards like the butterfly set, or you can print 8 to a page to make smaller cards like the squirrel set. Each set comes with a different critter to match. You can use these cards for matching memory games, classroom scoot games, scavenger hunts, or as playing cards in a center with the included game boards.
The sets can be kept separate for targeted practice or tossed together for mixed review. I even send them home for flash card practice by folding pages in half instead of cutting them so they are front/back self checking.
Next up, the game boards! When we start playing these games, I only put in the question cards in the draw pile. Students draw an equation and must answer it in order to roll the dice. For example, I’d put all of the squirrels in the first draw pile so all of the questions would be x6.
As students begin to master the facts, I also shuffle in the answer cards so there would be both squirrels and acorns. When a student draws an answer card, he/she must give an equation that would work for it. As we practice and learn more facts, I’d also mix in some of the other fact families. This is also a great way to differentiate learning.
Finally. I also give each group a multiplication grid for self-checking.
For additional practice and when cooperative learning isn’t practical, I also made coordinating coloring sheets. I like that these are self-checking; if the answer isn’t there for them to color, they’ve made a mistake. These can be printed on one sheet for saving paper, as shown with the butterfly example. Or you can print them full size for hallway display. {Side note, these are also available in addition/subtraction.} I use these for additional take-home practice, as early finisher work during tests, etc. Some of my students even ask for them during indoor recess. That’s a win!
If you’re ready to print and go in your classroom too, here are links for easy shopping.
If you need additional math practice and seasonal coloring practice in addition/subtraction or multiplication/division, you can visit the Math section of my shop.
