Dice have long been a staple in my classroom. While my grade level and math content may have changed over the years, one thing remained the same. I have repurposed dice time and time again in my math lessons, often for simple games and for teaching probability. But did you know that dice can also be used for a variety of other activities in math? Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
1. Use dice to introduce basic concepts.
Dice can be a great tool for introducing young kids to concepts like numbers and counting. You can use dice to help elementary students learn to recognize numbers. My color-by-code printables are perfect for extending this kind of number sense! With time and repeated practice, students will understand the relationship between numbers and the quantities they represent.
For older students, use dice to generate multidigit numbers. (It would be helpful to have different colored die for this activity.) From there, students can create the expanded form, word form, and draw a base-ten model for their rolled number. For upper elementary and middle school students, I’ve used dice to generate graphing coordinates we can then graph, find the slope, substitute, and so much more!
2. Practice basic operations.
Once students have a handle on basic concepts, dice can be used to help them practice basic operations. Roll and record sheets help little ones keep track of their learning. I give students two dice and have them roll to create addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations. PRO TIP: Keep dice throwing under control by putting them in small plastic containers for shaking.
3. Explore probability.
Probability is a key concept in math. Dice are the perfect math manipulative for helping students understand! Introduce students to the concept of probability and help them understand how to calculate probabilities for simple events by examining dice. For example, because a die has six different sides, there is a 1 in 6 chance of rolling a number 1 through 6 on any given roll. For an added level of rigor, challenge students to use polyhedral dice.
4. Practice mental math.
Dice are a great tool for developing mental math skills in budding mathematicians. Mental math is a key math skill necessary at all levels of study. You can use dice to create simple math problems that students can solve in their heads, such as asking them to add the numbers on two dice or to multiply the numbers on three dice. We play a game in first grade called “Friends of 10” where students roll one die and shout out the missing number that adds to ten. With third graders learning multiplication facts, we roll a die and create their time tables 0-12 for that factor.
5. Engage in problem-solving activities.
Dice can also be used in more complex problem-solving activities. Give students open word problems and use dice to generate random numbers for the equations. You can also create a dice game that requires students to use their knowledge of basic operations to solve math problems and advance to the next level. It’s so simple, yet so effective, not to mention so much fun! Try dice in your classroom today.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Start rolling! Dice are a versatile tool that can be used in multiple ways in any math classroom. From introducing basic concepts to practicing mental math, dice provide an engaging and interactive way to help students learn and practice important math skills. Got other ways for using dice in math? Don’t be shy; say hi and let us know below!
