M&M's Game

Summary

Students will connect the numeral to an appropriate quantity of M&M candies.

Materials

• Portion cups
• M&M’s
• Numeral cube for every two to four participants

Additional Resources

• M&M Book, by Barbara Barbieri McGrath; ISBN 0881068535

Background for Teachers

Students will readily be interested in this activity because they are able to eat what they know. Teachers will be able to assess which numerals students know and if they can correctly connect the numeral to an appropriate quantity of M&M's.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a positive learning attitude.
2. Develop social skills and ethical responsibility.
3. Demonstrate responsible emotional and cognitive behaviors.
4. Develop physical skills and personal hygiene.

Instructional Procedures

Invitation to Learn
“Raise your hand if you like M&M’s.” (Students also enjoy, “Stand up if you like M&M’s.”) “Today you will have a chance to eat some.”

Instructional Procedures

1. Demonstrate how to play the game by rolling a numeral cube, taking that many M&M’s from the cup, and eating them (or putting them in a portion cup).
2. The game is over when all the M&M’s are gone.

Extensions

1. Some students could write the numeral under a color word before they select and eat the identified quantity and color of M&M’s.
2. For students who have not yet mastered numerals, a dot die could be used so students could count how many dots come up and then take that many M&M’s.
3. Children with special dietary needs (e.g., diabetes, allergies, etc.) could have other things to eat (e.g., crackers, cheese cubes, marshmallows, etc.).

Family Connections
Encourage students to play this game with their family.

Assessment Plan

• Other students are great helpers for assessing this game. They make sure other students take just the right amount.
• Teacher observation is the best assessment for this kind of game. Walk around with a clipboard and Post-it® notes to make quick notes of which students need special help.