Don't be Last

Help your prep and year 1 students master the concept of one-to-one correspondence and counting forward and backward up to 30 with our new free number activity, "Don't Be Last." This engaging game not only reinforces counting skills but also encourages strategic thinking and friendly competition among young learners.

How to Play

"Don't Be Last" is designed for 2 or 3 players and can be easily set up with a few simple materials. Here’s how you can incorporate this game into your classroom or homeschool environment:

Materials Needed:
- The "Don't Be Last" game sheet, featuring three tens frames.
- Counters, pompoms, or any small objects that can be used to fill the tens frames.

- A target number up to 30, which can be decided by the teacher or students.
Setting the Target Number:
- Begin by choosing a target number. This number will be the "danger zone," and players will want to avoid saying it during the game.
Playing the Game:
- Players take turns placing 1, 2, or 3 counters in the tens frames on the game sheet.
- As each counter is placed, the player must count on aloud from the last number said, advancing 1, 2, or 3 numbers.
- The objective is to avoid being the player who has to say the target number aloud, as this signals the end of the game for them.
Strategies for Success:
- Players can develop strategies to force their opponents into a position where they have to say the target number.
- Encourage students to think ahead and consider the potential outcomes of placing different numbers of counters.
Playing Variations:
- For an additional challenge, try playing the game backward, starting from the target number and counting down to zero. This variation helps students practice subtraction and reverse counting.

Educational Benefits

One-to-One Correspondence: Students practice placing one counter for each number said, reinforcing their understanding of this foundational math skill.
Counting Skills: By counting forward and backward, students enhance their ability to navigate the number line with confidence.
Strategic Thinking: As students decide how many counters to place and anticipate their opponents' moves, they develop critical thinking and planning skills.
Social Interaction: This game provides a fun, cooperative environment for students to interact, share strategies, and learn from one another.

Incorporating "Don't Be Last" in the Classroom

Teachers can use "Don't Be Last" as a versatile tool for various classroom scenarios:

Math Centers: Set up the game as a math center activity, allowing students to play independently or in small groups.
Warm-Up Activity: Use the game as a quick, engaging warm-up to get students in the mood for math class.
Homework Activity: Encourage students to play "Don't Be Last" with their family members, fostering a home-school connection and reinforcing skills outside the classroom.

Download "Don't Be Last" Today

Ready to bring a fun, educational activity to your students? Download the "Don't Be Last" game sheet for free from Smart Boarding School and watch as your students improve their counting skills and enjoy the friendly competition. This simple yet effective game is sure to become a favorite in your classroom!

DOWNLOAD