Moving to the Numbers Math Game

Any time you can get kids moving as part of a learning activity it’s usually a hit. We did just that with this simple moving to the numbers math game.

We played the game outdoors because the weather was glorious, but it could easily be adapted for indoors by using number cards or paper plates with numbers on them. Outdoors we used sidewalk chalk to write the numbers from 0 to 10 in an open space. Hint: The more you spread the numbers out the more the kids get to move as part of the game.

Fly to four.

To play the game we came up with action words that start with the same sounds as each number. Older kids can help brainstorm these movement words with you. Otherwise have a set handy and get started moving right away.

To make sure kids understand the vocabulary for each movement cue, take time to introduce them and practice some before playing.

Soar to 6.

Below is a list of the movement cues we used for each number.

Zip to 0 (or zig-zag).

Wiggle to 1 (or wag your tail).

Tiptoe to 2.

Throw a ball (pretend) on your way to 3.

Fly to 4.

Frolic to 5. (or flutter)

Soar to 6.

Skip to 7. (or sneak)

Act like an ape on your way to 8.

Knock your knees on your way to 9. (Pat them with your hands or tap them together)

Trot to 10.

What additional cues can you think of? Let me know if the comments so we can incorporate them the next time we play.