Foreign Language Number Games
Ten Math and Counting Activities for French, Spanish, ESL, and More
Jan 22, 2008
Buzz
In this counting game, students take turns counting consecutively from 1-100. But there's a catch! For every multiple of 5, players must say "Buzz" instead of the number. For an added challenge, play "Backwards Buzz" (counting down from 100) or choose a multiple other than 5.
Four Corners
This fun counting game is usually reserved for gym class, but it can easily be adapted to classroom play with a "no running" ground rule. Blindfold one student who becomes the "Chooser." This person counts to ten while the rest of the class tiptoes to a corner of the classroom. Then the Chooser points to a corner. Everyone in that corner must return to his or her seat and help count from 11-20. Repeat the process, eliminate more players, and continue with the numbers 20-30, 30-40, etc. When just one player remains, you have a winner and the next Chooser.
Mixed-Up Dot-to-Dots
Take a traditional dot-to-dot picture, but change the numbers so that they are out of order. Either read or print the correct order of numbers. This activity will require students to comprehend numbers out of sequence (a real life skill) in order to complete the picture.
Bingo
Everyone knows this classic game, and everyone loves it! Try having students create their own bingo cards with number words or math problems. Be sure to teach the foreign language expression for "Bingo!"
Concentration
Small groups of students match cards with a number and a number word. When students find matches they are entitled to keep the cards and take another turn. See who can find the most matches.
Numbers Guessing Game
This simple activity can be played whenever you have a spare 5 minutes. Secretly write down a number and choose volunteers to guess it. Give the hints "Higher" and "Lower." Whoever guesses correctly writes the next number and chooses volunteers to guess it.
Dice Math
Students roll dice and create oral or written math problems in the target language. Simply identify the number on the first die, and then add or multiply the number on the second die.
Basketball
Play this fun team competition basketball game to practice identifying numbers out of sequence. Divide your class into two teams, and call up one player at a time to identify a number flashcard. If correct, the player earns one point for their team and the opportunity to throw a ball in a basket from the one-, two-, or three-point line for additional points. Encourage lots of cheering in the target language!
Number Building
When your students are masters at numbers up to 100, try really challenging them. Give them single-digit cards and call out numbers in the hundreds, thousands, or even higher. See who can be the first to arrange their cards in the correct order.
Cell Phones
Prepare paper cell phones for each student. Write a phone number on each phone, and identical numbers on slips of paper. Draw a slip of paper, read off the phone number, and make a telephone ringing sound. Whoever is holding the phone with that number should answer it and have a short conversation with the teacher.
Have fun playing these number games in your foreign language or ESL classes.
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