Games to Play With a Deck of Cards

I think we probably all grew up playing card games. Maybe you played rummy, canasta, spades, spoons, or some other game, but most homes you can find a deck of cards. You can easily pick up a pack of cards at The Dollar Tree or at the Target Dollar Spot. Sometimes when I am flying and there is a delay, Delta puts out cards and coloring books for free entertainment.  You can bet I always pick up a couple of decks!
Here are a few games you can play with cards in your classroom:

GETTING READY

• After getting your deck of cards, remove all of the kings, queens, jacks and jokers. You won't need them.
• Divide the remaining cards into two piles: red cards and black cards. This is enough for  two games.
• Cut the numerals off of the sides of the back cards.
• The black cards will be used to teach subitizing, instant recognition of a set.
• The red cards will be used to teach numerals.

MORE & LESS

Turn all of  the black cards face down or place them in a pile.

The children play this with game with a partner.

Each child turns over a card.

They compare their cards for more and less.

Place the cards on the game board accordingly.

Whichever player has less, spins the spinner.

If it lands on more, the player with more gets both cards. If it lands on less, the player with less gets both cards.

NUMBER GRID SUBITIZING

Turn all of  the black cards face down or place them in a pile.

The child turns over a card and determines how many are on the card.

Then, he/she locates the numeral on the grid and writes the numeral to represent the set.

Return card to the pile.

Keep playing until one numeral reaches the top.

BEFORE, BETWEEN AND AFTER

Turn all of  the black cards FROM ONE SUIT face down or place them in a pile.

The child turns over three cards and sequences them on the game board.

Record the answer on the recording page.

GET IT IN ORDER

Turn all of  the black cards FROM ONE SUIT face down or place them in a pile.

The child turns over four cards and sequences them on the game board.

Record the answer on the recording page.

ADD IT UP

Turn all of  the black cards 1-5 face down or place them in a pile.

The child turns over two cards and places them on the game board.

Add them together and record the number sentence on the recording page.

HOW ARE CARDS BEST USED IN A CLASSROOM?

• Ever heard of CPA, Conceptual, Pictorial, Abstract? If so, you know that children develop number sense conceptually first.  Conceptual = manipulate. This means that when children are learning a new concept, we must first have them practice it in a way that allows for manipulation of the objects.
• Once they have developed that conceptual understanding, they are ready to practice that concept pictorially, either draw a picture or interpret a drawn picture. 
• Finally, once they develop pictorial understanding, they are ready for the abstract, numeral and symbols.
• That means, at best, cards are pictorial. The symbols on the cards are a picture of a set.
• If children have not developed a conceptual understanding of whatever standard you are teaching, cards can be confusing and difficult.
• There is a simple cure...just provide manipulatives! Once the children select the cards, have them build the sets with unfix cube. Then, they can show the answer with the cards.
• Before we ask the children to provide the numerals to represent the sets, we want to spend a lot of time subitizing the sets. This is done very easily with a game called "Say it Fast". Simply flash cards, starting with sets 1-5, and ask the children how many. Do not give them enough time to count! Once they master 1-5, move on to 6-10.

What are you waiting for? Get up and go find those decks of cards in that drawer or get in your car and drive to the dollar store. These are games you can play TOMORROW!

All of these games, plus others, are in this card game unit.