Multi-sensory maths

Five Games for Playing with Hedgehog Number Cards

Here are some additional games to play with your Hedgehog Cards from Beat Dyscalculia Pack 2.  These are designed to build confidence, check understanding, and let children get used to playing with and using numbers and help them practise:

• Recognition of numbers 1 to 100
• Reading numbers in ascending, descending and random order
• Basic functions
• Times tables
• Mental maths
• Numeracy language, speaking and listening

GAME ONE

1. Deal 10 cards to each child, one gets numbers 1 to 10; the next numbers 11 to 20, the next 21 to 30 etc.
2. Ask children to:

• Arrange and read the cards in ascending order
• Arrange and read the cards in descending order
• Shuffle the cards and read in random order
• Place shuffled cards face-down on the table and on the signal, pick up cards, read them and place them in the approximate position which will enable the whole set to be arranged in ascending order

3. Swap cards with someone and repeat

GAME TWO

As game one, but use cards that are not in sequence (e.g. 7, 18, 35, 68, 12, 49, 3, 55, 74, 92)

GAME THREE

1. Choose a selection of cards, depending on the ability of the child (e.g. numbers 1 to 10 or 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or the teen numbers or a random selection of higher numbers) and place them in a stack in the middle of the table.
2. Prepare another pack of “challenge” cards (which reflect the stage and ability of the child or children), with functions on them such as:

• +10
• +0
• +20
• x 1
•  x 2
• – 1
• – 10
• + 5
• + 9
• x 0
• Divide by 1
• Divide by 2
• Halve
• Double
• Treble

3. Deal a hedgehog card to each child.

4. Turn over the first challenge card

5. Children work out their answer and then indicate when they have it.

6. Pupils get 1 point for a correct answer and an extra point for speed.

7. When pupils have worked through these they can be shuffled and turned over and the game can continue

GAME FOUR

1. Use numbers 1 to 10 or 12 to practice times tables using times tables cards (as demonstrated at the front of Book Two)

GAME FIVE

1. Arrange the cards from 1 to 20 in order, 1 to 10 on the first row and 11 to 20 on the second row (can be done up to 24 if required)
2. Children now pick up the multiples of 2 (i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc) and arrange them in order across the table
3. Pointing to the 2 they say 1 two is 2; 2 twos are 4 etc
4. Next they scatter them on the table at random and the teacher asks, “How many twos in 8?” etc
5. Repeat for other multiplication tables using additional rows of numbers (e.g. for x4 your will need the numbers 1 to 40, or 48 if doing 12×4)

To find out more about Beat Dyscalculia or to get more ideas or training.  Please contact us.