Number Match Game

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

This mathematical game is suitable for children of various ages. Nursery (K1) children can use it to learn numbers, Reception (K2) children can practice addition and subtraction within 10, and Year 1 (K3) can advance to simple two-digit arithmetic. Most importantly, it's a parent-child coordination game where both must concentrate on observation and comparison, strengthening family bonds through joyful mathematical play.

Materials Needed

  • Cardboard box
  • cardboard sheets
  • card paper
  • marbles
  • scissors
  • craft knife
  • pencil
  • marker pens
  • ruler
  • hot glue gun
A flat lay image on a light wood background displays various craft supplies laid out, seemingly in preparation for a project. The materials include an open cardboard box, a flat piece of cardboard, a sheet of white paper, a small bowl of colorful beads, scissors, a utility knife, a ruler, a pencil, a white marker, and a hot glue gun. The arrangement suggests the items will be used together for a crafting or DIY activity.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Use scissors to make 16 marble-sized holes in the cardboard sheet. Make holes every 5cm, with 4 holes per row. You'll need two identical sheets like this.

A rectangular piece of light brown cardboard lies on a light wood-grained surface. The cardboard has a grid of evenly spaced holes punched in it. Lines and text indicate the spacing between the holes: 6cm vertically and 5cm horizontally. This appears to be a prepared piece for a craft or game.
Step 2

Using marker pens, label the holes with numbers in sequence (you can adjust the numbers based on your child's current ability level, for example, for 3-year-olds we can...)

A hand holding a white marker with a red cap is writing the number 2 next to a hole in a piece of light brown cardboard. The cardboard has a grid of holes and rests on a textured white surface. A small bowl of colorful beads is partially visible in the top left corner. The number 1 is already written next to another hole, suggesting the holes are being numbered sequentially. This appears to be a step in a craft or game-making process.
Step 3

Take the cardboard box and apply hot glue along one of the wide edges.

Hands are using a bright orange hot glue gun to apply glue to the inside edge of a cardboard box. The glue is a light tan color and is being dispensed onto the cardboard. The box and hands rest on a white textured surface. This image appears to depict a step in a crafting or DIY project.
Step 4

Attach the numbered cardboard sheet to the glued edge of the box, wait patiently for the glue to cool. Attach the second sheet to the opposite edge in the same way.

A piece of cardboard with punched holes and numbers written in red ink next to them (13, 14, 15, and a partially visible 16) is being attached to a cardboard box. A hand is visible on the left side, holding the cardboard piece in place against the box. The box and hand are positioned on a textured white surface. This image seems to depict a stage in a DIY or crafting project.
Step 5

Use hot glue to secure the top of both cardboard sheets together.

A hand uses a bright orange hot glue gun to apply glue to the edge of a piece of cardboard. The cardboard has holes punched in it and numbers written in red (1, 2, 3, and 5 are visible). Another piece of cardboard is positioned below the first, suggesting the glue is being used to attach them together. This appears to be a step in constructing a game or craft project.
Step 6

Glue another piece of cardboard at the bottom of the joined sheets as shown.

Two pieces of cardboard, each with punched holes and red numbers written next to them, are being joined together to form a triangular shape. A hand is visible, holding the pieces and seemingly using a thin thread or string to bind them. A blurred bowl of colorful beads is partially visible in the bottom left corner. This image appears to show a step in creating a handmade game or craft project.
Step 7

Cut card paper into 4cm x 6cm rectangles - you'll need 32 identical pieces. Use marker pens to write numbers on the cards, making two sets numbered 1-16.

Note: For children aged 3 or younger, writing simple numbers is recommended. For children who can do basic arithmetic, you can create appropriate problems based on their ability level - for example, you could write "5" or "1+4=?" to practice mathematical skills.

Two hands are shown on a textured white surface with small white polka dots. One hand holds a small white card while the other hand uses a white marker with a red cap to write the number 2 in red ink on the card. A small stack of similar blank white cards is visible in the upper right corner. This image appears to be of someone preparing numbered cards for a game or craft activity.
Step 8

Now, place some marbles into your chosen numbered holes. Remember, don't let your opponent see where you put them!

Two hands interact with a cardboard structure shaped like a triangular prism, reminiscent of a simple house. Small, colorful balls are placed into holes along the angled sides of the structure. The hands adjust the position of the structure, causing the balls to roll down the inside and collect at the bottom. The background features a pegboard decorated with colorful pegs and a paper butterfly. This video likely depicts a simple, homemade toy or game involving dropping balls into a cardboard structure.
Step 9

Game rules: Players guess which numbers their opponent has placed marbles in. Use rock-paper-scissors to decide who goes first. The first player shows a number card - if there's a marble in the corresponding hole on your board, you must remove it. Take turns showing number cards. The first person to remove all their opponent's marbles wins.

Small hands place colorful gumballs into numbered holes on a piece of cardboard. The cardboard appears to be part of a homemade game or activity. Numbers are written next to each hole, presumably corresponding to the quantity or order of gumballs to be placed. A bowl filled with more colorful gumballs sits nearby. The video focuses on the close-up interaction of the hands placing the gumballs into the designated holes.

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