Once students have fully grasped their numbers, and the addition and subtraction operations, they can turn these concepts into algebraic thinking.

And one way to practice this concept is by analyzing number patterns. In other words, identifying how numbers form relationships to one another.

By studying the relationship between the numbers that form a pattern we can go from the abstract to the observable.

These kinds of activities help students develop a richer appreciation for mathematics. They also aid in the development of algebraic skills your students will need as they progress through school.

To play, students will match dominoes through a sequence of “10 more or 10 less” game pieces and coordinating numbers. Once they have found a match, they continue to build onto the already placed dominoes until one of the players is out of pieces.

How to Play Our 10 More, 10 Less Number Pattern Game

This resource is best used in your math center to practice adding ten more to a number or subtracting ten from a given number.

To play, the domino cards are shuffled and divided equally among players. The player with a domino that has the “Ten More, Ten Less Dominoes” piece lays it down the middle of the playing area. Students take turns matching the opposite end of the domino with the numbers that fit the sequence.

For example, there are two “Ten More Ten Less Dominoes” pieces, one of which has an “89” on the opposite end. The player with the “10 More 10 Less 99” domino can lay their game piece down because 89 is 10 less than 99. The next player would then play off the adjacent “33”. Gameplay continues in this way until someone lays down their last domino, making them the winner.

Expand This Number Pattern Game With More Ways to Play!

Here are a few ideas for how to turn this counting by 10s game into additional exercises.

Fast Finisher Independent Play

This game can be played single-player as a math center activity. If you would like to check the students’ work, ask them to write the sequence they come up with on a separate piece of paper.

Scoot Activity

Get your class up and moving around while they add and subtract by tens! To play, place 3 sequential cards at each station. Student pairs will rotate through each station placing the cards in order. Students can keep track of their answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

On the three blank dominoes included, have students add their own numbers and ten more or ten less. Challenge students to add their created dominoes to the original set.

If students are having trouble, instead of continually building upon each domino, ask the student to find 5 pairs of dominoes that match.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the game pieces on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Cut out the pieces and place everything in a folder or large envelope for your math or games center.

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

This resource was created by Anna Rudolph, a teacher in California and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Check out more fun number pattern activities and math games right here:

[resource:2663350]    [resource:4692493]  [resource:2663622]