All Activities
Maths

Roll and Collect

Overview

Children use a dice to decide how many objects to collect.

Learning Objective
Children match numbers to quantities using real objects.

Resources needed

  • Dice
  • Small objects (stones, sticks, bottle caps)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 A child rolls the dice.
  2. 2 They say the number shown (dots or numeral).
  3. 3 They collect that number of objects from a pile.
  4. 4 Count together to check the number is correct.
  5. 5 Repeat with different children.
  6. 6 Compare collections: 'Who has more? Who has fewer?'
  7. 7 Ask children to explain how they know.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use two dice and add the numbers
  • Use a colour dice (find objects of that colour)
  • Set a target number to reach together
More information

Point to dice dots while counting aloud. Pair children so a stronger counter can model.

Use a large dice or draw dot cards if no dice is available.

Does the child count dots on the dice or recognise the pattern instantly (subitising)? Do they count objects one by one or in groups?

Make a dice from a small cube of clay or wood, or draw dot cards on paper as an alternative. Use stones, seeds, or sticks as collecting objects.

Children sometimes collect objects before finishing counting the dice dots, leading to errors. They may also recount collected objects from 1 instead of trusting their count.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 10–15 minutes No prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Counting Number Recognition