Add the Dots

Children roll two dot dice and count all the dots to find the total.

Ages 48–72 months

Inspired by Play-based learning Montessori addition number-sense dice-game

Materials

Two large dot dice (or number-and-dot cards)
Optional counters

Steps

Have the child roll both dice.
Count the dots on the first die, then keep counting onto the second.
Say the total ("Four and three make seven").
Roll again and compare totals, optionally writing the number sentence.

Variations

Use counters to build each number before combining.
Race to be first to reach a target total over several rolls.

Differentiation

For beginners, keep both dice to small numbers and count all dots.
For older children, encourage counting on from the larger number.

Accessibility

Provide counters or a number line for children not yet adding mentally.

Printables

Worksheets that go with this activity.

Single-Digit Addition

Practices these skills

Adds Single-Digit Numbers

Evidence

Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Early Atlas