Is it Likely, Unlikely, Impossible or Certain?

Even though it might seem like a tricky concept, understanding probability and chance helps young learners make sense of everyday situations where they can’t be sure of the outcome, like predicting the weather or guessing the result of a game. It also teaches them about fairness and helps them handle expectations. Learning about chance helps children assess risks, make smart choices, and see patterns in the world around them, setting them up for more complex mathematical concepts in the future.

This year, we are excited to help you introduce your students to chance and probability with a brand-new active game that will get them moving and thinking about what it means for something to be likely, unlikely, impossible, or certain.

How to Play ‘What Are The Odds?’ A Game of Chance

This game of chance is designed for your littlest learners who are just starting to understand the concept of probability. Here are the rules:

1. Print students a copy of the recording sheet (optional) and use the number cards included to label the four corners of your classroom. We recommend labelling them in the same order as the numbers on the slide deck.
2. Project the slide deck and go over the rules of the game, reminding students how they are expected to move about the classroom and engage with each other.
3. Review the meaning of the terms used: likely, unlikely, certain, impossible.
4. Read the statement on the first question slide. Give students think time and have them move to the corner of the room that matches their perception of the chances of the event happening in real life.
5. After each question, make a note of students with differing answers and use those as discussion points, highlighting why something may be certain for one person and unlikely for another.
6. Continue the game until all statements have been used.

Download and Play Your Game of Chance!

This resource has two components: an interactive slide deck and an accompanying recording sheet and answer key. To access your resources, click the dropdown arrow to select your files. You will need to download the Google Slides version of the presentation and the recording sheet if you choose to use it.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

That’s not all! Make sure you check out the resources below and fill in those lesson plans in a flash!

teaching resource

Ed and Dale's Heads and Tails - Chance Game

A fun game of chance for students to play when learning about probability.

teaching resource

Diving Board Bonanza! - Chance Game

A game for students to play when learning about probability.

teaching resource

Chance PowerPoint - Level 1

An engaging 22-slide interactive PowerPoint to use in the classroom when learning about chance and probability.