Math Dice Chase will Improve Mental Math Skills

Math Dice Chase is a game we regularly use in our homeschool. It’s one of our favorite math games for middle school.

Mental math is a skill tweens must master.

Even though kids can easily grab a calculator to help them with math problems, it’s important that they are able to quickly come up with the answer in their head, almost automatically. Getting to that point requires hours of practice, which can often get repetitive and boring.

Instead of using the traditional flashcard method, why not turn to math games? One of our favorites is Math Dice Chase, also called “mathematical hot potato.”

Not only is it fun to play, but it is also compact, which makes it incredibly easy to take on the road.

Each game consists of (4) 12 sided dice – 2 blue and 2 purple and a small pouch.

Mental math is a skill I continue to work on with my middle schoolers. Instead of using flash cards to practice, I regularly turn to math games. I know kids can easily grab a calculator to help with math problems, but I want mine to quickly come up with the answer in their head, which takes hours of practice and can be boring. This fun and simple dice game is the perfect way to build mental math skills. Have you played it? #mathisfun #middleschool #educationpossible #tweens #teens #homeschooling

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Playing the Math Game with Middle Schoolers

Traditional Math Dice Chase play works best with 4-6 players, but below I share adaptations for playing with fewer people.

  • With everyone sitting on the floor in a circle, give players sitting across from each other one set of dice and choose a math function (+, -, x, ÷ ).
  • At the same time, both players roll their dice. Using the numbers on the top of the dice and the math function, each player should announce the math problem they’ve just created, along with the answer. Example: Imagine we chose multiplication for the round. On my turn, I roll a 7 and 11. I immediately say, “7 times 11 equals 77.”
  • Whenever the players answer their problem correctly, they immediately pass the dice to the person on their left. The goal is to roll, answer, and pass the dice as quickly as possible.
  • If a player ends up with both pairs of dice, they have to sit out a round. There’s definitely a benefit to being quick.
  • When two players are left in the circle, they each roll one die. The first person to state the math problem and give the correct answer, wins.This Fun and Simple Math Game will Improve Mental Math Skills

But what if you have less than 4 people? Can you still play Math Dice Chase? Yes.

When I want to play this, but I’m short the recommended number of players, I play with one set of dice instead of two. Sometimes we still play like it’s “hot potato” with each player answering and passing the dice as fast as they can. Occasionally we will set a timer and race against it, together, each round.

There are other times when I let the girls just take their time and roll and answer as they’re able, with no pressure. However, if I think they can answer quicker, I will encourage them to pick up the pace.

This is wonderful place to start if your kids freeze up when they’re under pressure and hate being put on the spot or if players have drastically different skill levels.

Play games as a part of middle school math to build skills

Modifications for Using it as Mental Math Skill Builder

If you don’t want to play the full Math Dice Chase game, you can still use the dice during your math lessons to build up your student’s mental math skills by using one set of dice.

Choose the math function you want your child to work on and let them roll the dice and answer the math problem without any timing or passing.

Take note of issues they have so you can work on those specific problems. As they master their math facts, have them speed up as they play.

This game will help kids:

  • master basic math equations that they’ll use for every level of math
  • know the answers to math problems immediately
  • think on their feet
  • work toward solutions under pressure

More Middle School Math Helps

Additional Fun Math Games

Do you use games like Math Dice Chase as part of your math lesson plans for middle school? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Megan Zechman
I love homeschooling! Learning is a way of life for our family. Most days you will find us exploring our Central Florida community, having fun while learning. I am constantly looking for new and interactive ways to engage my older children.
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman

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