Both are excellent practice for learning times tables, and fun too! We
have produced printable game boards and counters for the games at two
levels: tables 1-6 and tables 1-12.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the game boards.
This can be downloaded free here.
This game can be played with the tables 1-6, or with the
tables 1-12.
Tables 1-6
For this game use two dice, or skill cards with
multiplication facts on each one, or two spinners with the numbers 1-6 on
each. You will also need four markers for each player.
Print out one game board, and laminate for durability if required.
Tables 1-12
For this game you will need two 12-sided dice, or skill cards with
multiplication facts on each one, or two spinners with the numbers 1-12 on
each. You will need four markers for each player. Print out one game board
(left side and right side). This larger game board is designed so that it
can be pasted into a file folder for easy storage (cover with contact
paper to make it last even longer). If you don't wish to use it with a
file folder, you can of course join the two halves with tape.
How to play
Each player in turn shakes the dice, draws a card, or spins the spinner to
find the product. He places one of his markers on the product on the
board. On his fifth turn, when he has already placed all four of his
markers, he will have to move one of his markers to a new space. The
object of the game is to get three markers in a row (horizontally,
diagonally and vertically). You may choose to add a few more markers to
each person to make the game a little easier (but older children will
enjoy the challenge with just four markers). If an opponent's marker is on
the space which you require, his marker is removed and replaced by yours.
Variation: if using skill cards, you could throw in a
few wild cards for added fun. These allow a player to place a marker in
any empty space on the grid. You could also add cards such as: "trade
spaces with any opponent marker".
This game is played with a similar grid, but the product
spaces are blank, and need to be filled in with the product cards
provided. Once again we have provided game boards and cards for two levels
of play: the first with tables 1-6, and the second with tables 1-12. The
latter has been designed for use with a file folder if required.
How to play
The product cards are placed upside down in the centre of play, and seven
are drawn by each player. One additional card is drawn and placed on the
playing grid where it would be the correct answer. Remember that each
number can be placed in at least two spots (for example, 21 can be placed
for 3x7 or 7x3) and some can be placed in several spots (for example, 24).
After the first card is placed on the board, players
take turns adding a card. However, in order to place a card it must touch
a spot which already has a card in it. If the player cannot place a card,
he must draw one from the centre pile and his turn ends (even if he can
place this new card).
The winner is the first player to place all of his
cards.
Call My Bluff
This is a fun word game (made famous by the TV show) which can
help children to learn new words, practise dictionary work and presentation
skills! It works best in a classroom or large group setting, and you will need
time to prepare.
Make A Ping Pong Bat And Net
The Chinese introduced table tennis to the world and have always been extremely
good at the sport. You can make your own ping pong bats and net and have a go!
Make A Name Book
More of a craft activity than a game, this is a great way for kids to get to
know each other at the beginning of the school year.
Fishing (Tiu-u or Chinese Dominoes) This game of Chinese dominoes sounds a little complicated to
begin with but is in fact very simple to play. The name ‘fishing’ comes from
the idea that players ‘fish’ for matching dominoes. You can either print out
our dominoes or make your own more authentic version with popsicle sticks
(instructions included!)
Matching Game cards can be used to play Memory
(Concentration), Go Fish and many other card games, as well as played with
our sorting mats by one child on their own. Printable Games
