An important part of learning mathematics is using and understanding mathematical vocabulary. Children need this vocabulary to talk about their work, to ask questions and to explain their thinking.
Target boards are grids with numbers or pictures that can be used to practise using mathematical language.
Counting and recognising numbers with Target Board 2
Print Target Board 2. Point at any box on the target board and ask children to say the number. Point to a number and ask children to hold up that number of fingers or do that number of claps, or jump that number of times or collect that number of objects.
Ask children to:
Find the number 2, or 6 or……….
Find a number that is more than 4. Now find a number that is less than 8.
Find the largest number. Find the smallest number.
Put the numbers in the first row in order. Which number is the smallest? Which number is the largest?
Find the number that is one more than 5, one more than 9……….
Find the number that is two more than 3, two more than 7………
Find the number that is one less than 5, one less than 9……….
Find the number that is two less than 3, two less than 7………
Find an odd number. Find an even number.
Does every column have an even number?
Does every column have an odd number?
For numbers up to 20, try the same activities with Target Board 3.
Now get children to ask their own questions so that they learn to use the correct vocabulary.
Play Bingo.
You need a board each, sets of digit cards 1 – 20 (you will need one set per player) and objects to cover the numbers on the board (use buttons, counters, milk bottle tops, small toys.
Shuffle the digit cards and place in a pile face down. Take turns to turn over the top card, say the number and cover it on your board. The first to cover the board is the winner.
Variations
The winner is the first to complete a row or a column.
Play One More Bingo. Use digit cards 0 – 19. Take turns to turn over the top card, but say the number that is one more than the number on the card and find the new number on your board.
Play One Less Bingo. Use digit cards 1 – 21. Take turns to turn over the top card, but say the number that is one less than the number on the card and find the new number on your board.
What about two more and two less bingo?
Digit Dog Challenges 