Five in a Row: A Game for Practicing Addition Facts {December & January}

Five in a Row is a favorite in my classroom.  It's not only one of my favorite ways to have my students practice their addition facts, but it is also a student favorite.

What is Five in a Row?
Five in a Row is fun and engaging game where students practice their basic addition math facts.  Students will roll two number cubes (labeled 5-10) or two dice, add them together, and cover the sum on the game board.  The object of the game is to be the first person to cover five numbers in a row.



Materials
  • Game boards
  • Game pieces (double sided counters, dimes and pennies, different colored linking cubes, and so on) NOTE: since the two players share the same game board, they need different game pieces to denote which spaces they've claimed as their own
  • 2 Number Cubes (blank cubes numbered 5 through 10) OR 2 dice (depending upon the level of play)
How to Play
  • Students play in pairs. 
  • Student A rolls the two number cubes (or dice), adds the numbers together, and covers that number on the board.
  • Student B does the same.
  • Play continues back and forth in this fashion.
  • The first player to get five counters in a row is the winner!
Note:  If a player rolls their number cubes or dice, but the sum is not available, then they do nothing (and hope they have better luck when their next turn comes around).

You can grab this Five in a Row game board for free!  It includes color and black and white versions, as well as two levels of play:
  • Sums of 2 through 12 (played with two dice)
  • Sums of 10 through 20  (played with two number cubes numbered 5-10)
My students have been using this holiday version all week long and they love it.  I'm telling you, they never tire of this game!!  I put it out month after month; by changing the theme of the board I think they stay a bit more interested.  It's the little things!

I've also created a winter themed board for January.  Or, you could use it during December and January if you prefer to steer clear of the holiday theme. ;)


You can grab Festive Five in a Row for FREE! Click here to download. 
You can also grab Frosty Five in a Row for FREE! Click here to download. :)

Toodles!
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4 comments:

  1. Aimee,

    Thanks for sharing your five in a row games. My Firsties like them and, I agree with you, they stay more interested when you just change the theme. Your little gal looks sweet! I've got two myself, ages 12 and 10. Btw, I'm a first grade teacher in Michigan and I started following your blog about a month ago. I'm thinking of creating my own, but need to find the time to create things that I can share. But thanks again for sharing your great ideas!

    Heather

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    Replies
    1. I'm so happy to hear that your Firsties like the game! I appreciate your comments and wish you luck with starting your own blog. It's lots of fun!!

      Aimee

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  2. Thanks for the fun and festive freebie!

    Love the adorable tee your cutie is wearing. :)

    Cindy
    Granny Goes to School

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  3. Thanks for sharing Whole/Part. We have been doing this alot in math so this will make a great center. Thanks again! Leslie

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I'd love to hear what you have to say!