Many elementary teachers use math centers in their classrooms. They’re fun and engaging ways to review math concepts or extend instruction. However, it’s often time consuming to put them together, and they usually only cover one math skill.
Here’s an easy solution: Make 22 math centers in a matter of minutes using something I’m pretty sure you have sitting in your fridge. Let me show you!
Egg Carton Math Games for First Grade
Materials:
- egg cartons
- 3 or more marbles or small round objects
- permanent marker
- small round dot labels (optional)
Set Up:
All of the activities require something to be written inside each egg space. Many activities use the numbers 1-12, some use 0-9, and a few use shapes, coins, or colors. I’ve grouped the activities below according to what numbers or symbols you use.
Use a permanent marker to write the numbers inside each egg space. (Optional: Write the numbers on small round dot labels and place inside the egg carton. A bit of glue or tape is needed to hold the dots in place during all the shaking!)
Directions:
The steps for each of the games are the same:
- Open the egg carton.
- Place a specified number of marbles or small round objects inside and close the lid.
- SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE the egg carton all round!
- Open the lid. See what numbers/objects the marbles land on and perform a certain task with them.
Egg Carton Math Games Using Numbers 1-12
Addition to 20
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Add the two numbers together to find the sum. Example: 4+9=13.
Subtraction to 20
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Subtract the smaller number from the larger number to find the difference. Example: 9-4=5.
Fact Families
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Write two addition and two subtraction sentences using the numbers. Example: 9+4=13, 4+9=13, 13-9=4, 13-4=9.
True/False Equations
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Write one true and one false addition or subtraction equation using the numbers the marbles land on. Example: True- 9+4=13, False- 9-4=2.
Decomposing Numbers
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Decompose the number using a number bond.
Finding Unknown Numbers
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Find what number when added to the smaller number equals the larger number, or what number subtracted from the larger number equals the smaller number. Example: 4+?=9, answer is 5, 9-?=4, answer is 5.
Doubles
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Double the number. Example: 10+10=20
Time to the Hour
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Draw/show the time on a clock. Example: 3 is 3 o’clock (3:00)
Egg Carton Math Games Using Numbers 0-9
Add within 100
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make a two-digit number with the numbers the marbles land on. Shake and repeat to make another two-digit number. Add the two-digit numbers together. Example: 52+16=68.
Represent Numbers to 120
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make a two-digit number with the numbers the marbles land on. Draw a picture or use tally marks to show the amount.
Count to 120
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make a two-digit number with the numbers the marbles land on. Record the number and count on the next three numbers. Example: 26…27…28…29.
Place Value: Tens and Ones
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make a two-digit number with the numbers the marbles land on. Record how many tens and ones and write the number in expanded form. Example: 26, 2 tens 6 ones, 20+6=26.
Place Value: Two-digit Numbers
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make 2 different two-digit numbers with the numbers the marbles land on. Example: 24 and 42 using the numbers 2 and 4.
Compare Two-digit Numbers
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make a two-digit number with the numbers the marbles land on. Shake and repeat to make another two-digit number. Compare the two numbers using > , < , or =. Example: 25 < 39.
Find 10 More or Less
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Make a two-digit number with the numbers the marbles land on. Find 10 more or 10 less than the number. Example: 25, 10 more is 35, 10 less is 15.
Make 10
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Add an amount to the number to equal 10. Example: Land on 6… 6 + ? =10. 6+4=10.
Egg Carton Math Games Using Special Objects or Numbers
Subtract Multiples of 10
Egg Carton Spaces: Multiples of 10 from 10 to 90
Need: 2 marbles or small round objects
Subtract the smaller number from the larger number to find the difference. Example: 80-30=50.
Graphing
Egg Carton Spaces: colors red, yellow, green, and blue
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Shade the color on the graph. Shake and repeat a set number of times or until one color reaches the top of the graph.
Shapes
Egg Carton Spaces: names of various shapes
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Game 1: Draw the shape it lands on.
Game 2: Draw the shape it lands on and then use that shape to create a drawing.
Fractions
Egg Carton Spaces: a fraction in word and/or number form in each egg space (whole or 1, half or ½, fourth or ¼ )
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Shade a circle, square, or rectangle according to the fraction it lands on.
Money
Egg Carton Spaces: Coin amounts ($0.01, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25)
Need: 1 marble or small round object
Game 1: Color in the coin that matches the amount.
Challenge: Use 2+ marbles or small round objects. Add together the amounts to find the sum of money.
FREE Range Eggs Product!
Everything you need to create all 22 games, including teacher and student directions, recording sheets, and egg carton covers are a FREE gift from me as a thank you for signing up to my email list. All you need is an egg carton, some marbles or small round objects, and just a few minutes of set up!
14 Comments
I have been using egg cartons for years in my math classroom. They are fabulous.
I teqch k-3 at a womens prison – anxious to use these
Wonderful ideas!!
maravillosas actividades con un material muy fácil de adquirir. Mil gracias por compartir de manera gratuita.
Amazing resource! Can’t thank you enough
Love these ideas!!
What simple tool to enhance differentiation in my classroom. I can’t wait to use some of these great ideas!
Great ideas!
Thank you for sharing.
I can’t wait to try theses activities with my Kiddos
You’re welcome! I hope your students enjoy them!
Nice Post
Thank you for the great egg carton resource!