(845) 680-1301 rnerkizian@socsd.org

We have been practicing combining 2 numbers to make a bigger number.  First, we practiced using squares to make number quilts.  Next, we used bears by playing a game called Bears in a Cave. 

How to play Bears in a Cave:

Materials: a cup or bowl and counters (pictures, pennies, beans, cereal, candy, marbles, etc.)

Players: 2

Directions: Start out deciding what number you are practicing making combinations with.  Take that many counters (ex. 5 needs 5 counters; 7 needs 7 counters).  One person puts some of the counters ("the bears") inside the "cave" (upside down cup or bowl) while their partner closes his/her eyes.  The other person opens their eyes and has to figure out how many bears are hiding in the cave.  If there are 5 bears in all and 2 are outside the cave, the player would figure out that 3 bears are in the cave.  2 and 3 makes 5.  Then the players switch.  The one hiding the bears now becomes the guesser and the guesser becomes the hider.

Have fun playing!