Dot maths

Games and tasks with dots: counting, dice, symmetry, and dot patterns.

Steps

1. Warm-up: counting dots on dice without calculating ('at a glance').
2. Task in pairs: they roll two dice, add the results, and place that many dots with a stamp or sticker.
3. Older students arrange symmetrical dot patterns on a grid and check them with a mirror.
4. Game at the end: 'Dot Bingo'.

Tip: Symmetrical patterns connect well with a lesson on the axis of symmetry in 4th grade.

Materials needed

• Large foam dice (1 pair per 2 students)
• Stamps with ink for fingers or for children (1 set)
• Mirrors safe for children (1 per 2 students)