Gr 2 learning - dice game using base ten blocks

Bonjour!

This week the students have been practicing their mental math strategies and using them in two games. Both games are played two vs two typically.

In the first game, the first team rolls dice and adds up the sum of the two dice. Then they add that amount of base ten 'units' onto their base ten mat, trading ten 'units' for a 'stick' of ten whenever they can. Then the next team rolls and adds the result onto their own mat. The goal is to reach a certain number on the mats first.

The second game is played in reverse, both teams starting at 111 and trying to get down to another target number by taking away the sum of their dice roll each turn. This can be more challenging as students need to break apart 'sticks' of ten and exchange them for ten 'units' often in order to be able to subtract the correct number of units. Also they eventually need to exchange their 100 'square' for ten 'sticks' and then make their subtraction. This is working their place value and subtraction skills. We will continue with addition and subtraction until the break. Students can be quizzed at home on their doubles facts: 1+1, 2+2, etc up to 10+10, along with near-doubles, ie 9+8 or 9+10. Merci and have a great week!