10 math games a sub can run from the board
These ten math games need nothing but a whiteboard, a marker and scrap paper, so a substitute can run them in any room with no copies and no setup. Each one says how to play, the grades it fits and how to make it harder or easier. They work as a warm-up, a filler for the last ten minutes or a whole review block.
Number sense
1. Guess my number
The substitute secretly picks a number, from 1 to 20 for kindergarten or up to 1,000 for older grades. Students guess, and the sub answers only "greater" or "less" while writing the shrinking range on the board. Ask the class which guess cuts the range in half.
Grades K–5You need A whiteboard and a marker
2. Greatest number wins
Students draw four blank boxes on paper. The substitute calls out random digits one at a time, and students write each digit in a box right away, with no moving it later. After four digits, the biggest number wins. Try smallest number or closest to 5,000 next round.
Grades 1–6You need Scrap paper and a whiteboard
3. What's my rule?
The substitute draws an in-and-out table and fills in three pairs, such as 2 to 7, 5 to 10 and 10 to 15. Students guess the next output on scrap paper, then name the rule. For older grades, use two-step rules like double and add one.
Grades 2–8You need A whiteboard and a marker
Operations
4. Target number
The substitute writes four digits and a target, like 3, 5, 6 and 2 with a target of 24. Students use each digit once with any operations to hit the target, and share their equations on the board. Several answers are often possible.
Grades 2–8You need A whiteboard and scrap paper
5. Closest to 100
Students draw two blank two-digit numbers on paper. The substitute calls out four digits, and students place each one as it comes. They add their two numbers, and whoever lands closest to 100 without going over scores a point. Play five rounds.
Grades 2–5You need Scrap paper
6. Many ways to the answer
The substitute writes one answer on the board, such as 18 or one half. In three minutes, students write as many different problems with that answer as they can. Share a few on the board, and give a point for any problem nobody else thought of.
Grades 1–8You need A whiteboard and scrap paper
7. Count around with buzz
Students count around the room one number each. When a number is a multiple of the chosen number, the student says "buzz" instead of the number. A mistake starts the count over at one. Switch to multiples of 4, 6 or 7 as the class gets quicker.
Grades 2–6You need Nothing
Team games
8. Problem tic-tac-toe
The substitute draws a three-by-three grid and writes a problem in each square. Two teams take turns choosing a square; the team solves it together on paper, and a correct answer claims the square with an X or an O. Three in a row wins.
Grades 2–8You need A whiteboard and a marker
9. Math bingo from the board
Students draw a three-by-three grid and fill it with numbers from a range on the board, like 0 to 20. The substitute calls out problems such as 4 plus 5, and students cross off the answer if they have it. Three in a row calls bingo.
Grades K–5You need Scrap paper
10. Dots and boxes with numbers
The substitute draws a grid of dots and writes a small number inside each future box. Two teams take turns drawing one line. A team that closes a box adds its number to their score on the board. The higher total wins, which means adding all game long.
Grades 1–5You need A whiteboard and a marker
Making it work
- Write the rules in one line on the board before starting, so the substitute and students can both point to them.
- Keep scores by team, not by student. Team games keep the room friendly and let quieter students join in safely.
- Leave the hundreds chart or the math facts wheel on the projector as a backup if the board is full.
- For a longer math block, the sub day math pack adds practice sheets with simple directions.
- Choose numbers just below the class's level for the first round. Easy wins at the start get everyone playing.
Questions teachers ask
- What math games can a substitute play with no materials?
- Guess my number, what's my rule, count around with buzz, target number and problem tic-tac-toe all need only a whiteboard and a marker. Students use scrap paper for their own work and answers.
- How do I keep a math game calm on a sub day?
- Play in teams, have students write answers on paper before anyone speaks, and set a clear signal for quiet between rounds. Short rounds with a quick score update keep attention without the room getting loud.
- Can these games fill a whole math block?
- Yes. Pick two or three games, start with one the class can win easily, then move to a harder one. Finish with five quiet minutes where students write down one problem they solved and how.
Written for teachers by Peabody Teach. No ads, no affiliate links. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.