Add a dash of holiday cheer to your next math lesson with these reindeer number recognition games! These engaging, hands-on activities help children practice identifying numbers from 1 to 20 while building essential social skills like turn-taking, patience, and good sportsmanship.
Whether you’re setting up a winter-themed math station, working in small groups, or just looking for a fun seasonal learning activity, these printable board games are sure to delight your kiddos all season long!
How to Play the Reindeer Number Recognition Game
These board games work best with small groups of 2 to 4 players. If you’re teaching a larger group, you can totally print multiple copies of the game boards so everyone can join in the fun.
For added durability, feel free to laminate the boards, but it’s really not necessary. We offer board games in so many different themes, it’s fun to print a new one for each season.
To get started, have each player place their game piece on or near the space marked “START.” Then, choose who goes first. Let players roll the die to see who gets the highest number, draw names from a holiday hat, or let the youngest “reindeer” take the first turn.
Once you’re ready, players will take turns rolling a standard six-sided die and moving their game pieces forward the indicated number of spaces. When they land on a space, they will then say the number out loud.
For non-verbal students, you can use visual number cards, communication boards, or speech-generating devices to allow them to answer. It’s always important to ensure that every learner is included.
You can finish the game in two different ways, depending on your goals. For a touch of friendly competition, announce the first player to reach the finish line as the winner. For a gentler, more inclusive experience, keep the game going until all players have made it to the end.
Materials You’ll Need
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- Cardstock
- Board games printable (grab it below)
- One game pawn per player (These mini reindeer are perfect!)
- A standard six-sided die
- Laminator (optional)
Adapting the Game for Every Learner
This printable includes three difficuty levels. Use the board with numbers 1–10 for beginners, 11–20 for more advanced learners, or 1–20 for students ready to stretch their skills. Choose the version that best fits your group and build up from there.
For children with fine motor delays, you can adapt the game tokens by attaching handles or bolsters that make the pieces easier to grip. Ring-style pawns that slide over fingers also work well.
Need printable number visuals to support AAC users or add to felt boards? We’ve got you covered. This simple set of number cards pairs perfectly with this activity.
No matter your students’ skill levels or learning styles, these reindeer number recognition games bring joyful learning to the table in a fun, low-prep way!
More Winter Math Activities Kiddos Love
Activity 1
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