Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a fun, interactive math game! These winter number recognition board games are designed to make number practice exciting for young learners. While building fluency with numbers 1 through 20, children also get to flex their social muscles by taking turns, cheering each other on, and practicing patience.
Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, homeschooling, or working in a therapy setting, this chilly challenge turns number work into a delightful group or partner activity.
Using the Winter Number Recognition Board Games
These games are designed for 2 to 4 players and fit beautifully into winter math centers or small-group instruction. If you’re working with a full class, just print out a few extra boards so everyone can participate at once.
Many teachers like to laminate their board game printables, and I totally get why. But, if you want a more eco-friendly option, printing on cardstock is sturdy enough for multiple lessons, without the plastic waste.
To begin the game, have each child place their game piece at the start space on the board. Then, decide who begins by rolling the die to see who gets the highest number.
Next, players take turns rolling a six-sided die and moving forward the number of spaces shown. When they land on a number, they will say the number name out loud for all the players to hear.
You can end the game in a couple different ways, depending on your goals. If you like a little friendly competition, end the game after the first player reaches the finish line. If you prefer a more cooperative tone, keep playing until every child makes it to the end. This is especially helpful in mixed-ability groups.
What You’ll Need
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- Winter-themed number game boards (grab them below)
- Cardstock
- One game token per student (These mini-snowflakes are perfect!)
- A standard six-sided die
- Lamination sheets (optional)
Differentiation and Adaptation
This printable game pack comes in 3 different difficuly levels. You can choose a board game to work on numbers 1-10, 11-20, or 1-20, depending on the needs of your individual students.
If your students will have trouble manipulating the game pawns, you can allow them to mark their spaces with bingo daubers. As long as the boards are laminated, you will be able to wipe them off and reuse them.
We also offer these simple printable number cards, which are great for using with AAC dvices or eye-gaze boards.
No matter how frosty it gets outside, this winter number recognition game will warm hearts and build math confidence at the same time. Low-prep, inclusive, and full of wintry fun—it’s a seasonal favorite your learners won’t want to miss!
More Math Fun For Kids
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