Idea by Dawn, 3rd and 4th Grade Teacher, Blackwood, NJ

For multiplication and division fun, I like using oversized dice made from discarded tissue cubes.

I cover the cubes with craft paper, then, to each facet of each cube, I attach a clear plastic sleeve recycled from old brag photo albums. I then prepare a series of cards that feature helpful representations (e.g., sets of drawn “objects,” numbers, number sentences, and operational symbols).  Once I’ve selected the target skill or criteria I want students to work on, I insert the corresponding cards into the plastic sleeves and have children take turns rolling the dice and recording and solving the problems that result. Tips: You can colo-code cubes or cube sides to represent the different operations. Also, store cards together in small envelopes.

This article was featured in the March 2013 issue of the Classroom Connection Newsletter.  Read more great articles from that issue below and sign-up to get the email delivered right to your inbox.

Words and Drawings

Finger Signs Point to Understanding

Counting Cubes Guessing Game

“Tasty” Tips for Teaching Division

Multiplication Fun with Dots and Circles

Oversized Dice Cuts Learning Curve in Half

Serving Up Addition

Place Value Tools for Pennies

When Money is Golden

Classroom Cash Proves Priceless

A “Dotty” Approach to Coin Master

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One Potato, Two Potatoes

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