INTERVENTION STRATEGY:
The Number Game
Brief Description: This intervention strategy targets the specific skill of number
identification. While counting and one-to-one correspondence are also included in this
strategy, these are prerequisite skills that could better be taught through the other number
sense activities such as Kinesthetic Activities to Increase Counting Skills or Activities to
Increase Pre-Number Skills. This intervention is adapted from the work of Whyte and
Bull (2008). They used this strategy successfully to increase the number identification
skills of preschool-aged children.
Materials Needed: Two printable board games are included in the tools section. These
should be printed in color on legal size paper. In addition, a spinner or die is necessary. A
spinner is also available to be printed on card stock and laminated as well. Each child
will need a game pawn (any manipulative will do) to move along the board.
Implementation: These strategies may be implemented individually or in small groups
by a teacher, paraprofessional or adult volunteer or played by a group of peers with adult
assistance as needed for number identification.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The teacher explains the rules of the number game.
The children take turns spinning the spinner and moving along the board.
They are required to say the name of the number as they land on each one.
If the child doesn’t know the number, they can ask a friend for help or the teacher
may provide the number.
5. If they land on the yellow square they must follow the yellow arrow either ahead
or back as the case may be.
6. If the group finishes the number game before the intervention period is over, they
may play again.
Intervention Schedule: The number game should be played for 15-20 minutes at least
two times per week. It is best implemented alternating with other number sense activities
to occur on the opposite days. Progress monitoring should focus on number identification.
Variation: Other game boards may be constructed for numbers up to 100.
Reference:
Whyte, J.C. & Bull, R. (2008). Number games, magnitude representation and basic
number skills in preschoolers. Developmental Psychology, 44, 588-596.
Tool/Attachments:
Game board for numbers 0-10
Game board for numbers 10-20
Printable spinner