The 100th day of school is always a fun celebration for early learners. It also blends nicely with most schools’ early learning goal of being confident with numbers to 100 – especially in Kinder and Grade 1.
Instructions
- Print either the coloured or black and white game board and laminate if you wish.
- Students will need 1 die for each game board, plus a marker for each player. Any small object will be fine for this!
- Game is best for 2 or 3 players.
- Students take it in turns to roll the die and move their markers the correct number of spaces.
- When landing on a space with a forward arrow or downward slide, children should move forward the number of spaces indicated or slide their marker down to the lower linked space.
- The first to 100 is the winner.
To improve learning
Research says that counting the number on the die over and over does little to improve a child’s mathematical understanding.
Counting on from the number they are on is MUCH more effective for learning. So if they are on space 27 and throw a 3, they should count 28, 29, 30 (not 1, 2, 3).
I highly recommend taking the time to encourage your children to play the game this way, unless it is still too difficult for the stage your children are at.
You can download Race to 100 here!
You can find more information on improving mathematical learning with board games, and an explanation of this infographic at this research-based post.
I hope you get lots of use out of this Race to 100 game and wish you happy teaching and learning!
For more fun activities focused on 100 you might like to check out these products.
I can Find 100 (or 120) Sight Words
Counting to 100 by Ones and Tens
Christine Delman says
Hello I am trying to become a teacher and in my class we are having a family math night for students and their parents. I love this board game but cannot figure out how to print the black and white board. Please help!
Thank you
Christine
Liz says
I’m so sorry you’re having trouble, Christine. I don’t know why the page won’t print. You should just be able to click ‘print selected page.’ My only suggestion would be to try a different printer if you have access to another, or send the game to a friend and see if their computer can print it. I double-checked my security settings on the pdf and they are set to allow printing. I hope you are able to print and that your parent night goes well.
Jerrie Pouch says
I am going to use this on the 100th day of school with my 4 year olds. They can count and fingerprint then play the game at home.
Liz says
The fingerprints are an excellent idea, Jerrie! I hope they enjoy themselves!