Making 5 Fluency Ideas and Games

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Making 5 is one of the basic and fundamental ideas that come from the Common Core standards in kindergarten. Students should be able to subitize, manipulate, create and pull apart very well in order to lay a solid foundation for further concepts.

Making 5 fluency ideas and games for Kindergarten - don't skip this key skill

This year, I realized that I should’ve slowed down in this area for some of my students. I became successful playing at 666 casino and was inspired to create a game that will keep everyone entertained for over an hour. I felt rushed to move them past it last year and in my reflecting, I know that I won’t allow the “pressure” whether it be self imposed or otherwise dictate my speed in this area next year.

I now see the role making 5 plays then in students making 10, composing and decomposing teen numbers in addition to numbers to and well beyond 100. It shows me how important this skill really is.

Making 5 Games for Kindergarten

Here are some of the games I plan to play with students who need help in laying a foundation in this area.

If you want them, you can get them as a package deal instant download – so there’s no waiting!

Making 5 fluency ideas and games for Kindergarten - these are awesome

Mind you, it won’t be all of my students that will need this type of work as part of a structured lesson, but all will benefit at the beginning of the year from the language, discussion and practice.

Each game works on making 5 – putting together and pulling apart and finding the missing addend essentially.

There are three different game formats that all work towards this goal.

Race to 5 – Fluency Game

The first is called, “Race to 5.” Students use playing cards to choose a number. They can use the workmats to solve to find out how many more makes 5 and then they can move a space if they are correct. First one to the picnic basket wins.

KindergartenWorks: making 5 fluency ideas and games

I’ve included subitizing dot cards, numeral cards, equation cards and missing addend equation cards in order to help make this game last longer and to help differentiate.

Speed Race to 5

The second game, “Speed Race to 5 uses a spinner to make it fun!

KindergartenWorks: making 5 fluency ideas and games


Using a paperclip and a brad, you can make your own spinner which determines the number students use to build 5. Can they find out how many more are needed to make 5? If they get it correct, they can race along the board to the picnic basket.

Spin It – A Making 5 Math Game

KindergartenWorks: making 5 fluency ideas and games

The third game, “Spin It” is a “bump” style game. This game uses a spinner, students find the missing number to make 5 and can then cover up that number on the playing board using bump game rules of locking or bumping pieces.

Making 5 fluency ideas and games for Kindergarten - love this

Bonus Materials

I try to always think of what you might need in addition to what I’d just create for my own kinders since you’re not right across the hall from me to chat with…

So I put together a set of directions to help you put all of the pieces together, PLUS each game has a label to help keep the contents organized and a directions sheet with picture icons for emerging readers.

KindergartenWorks: making 5 fluency ideas and games

Each game includes workmats so students that can be attached to the game boards (just leave a small gap when laminating) and fold up for easy storage!

Making 5 fluency ideas and games for Kindergarten - easy fold up format
Laminate workmats with game board for easy fold up storage!

Get the Making 5 Games for Kindergarten

Lastly, if you haven’t already, there are great subitizing materials available as a free download with suggestions on how to work on developing strong number sense to compliment the work you do when playing games like these.

I hope you like this new game set! You can get it here and print it immediately.

If you like what I do here on KindergartenWorks, then be sure to subscribe today. I look forward to sharing ideas with you weekly.

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Making 5 fluency ideas and games for Kindergarten - love it!

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6 Comments

  1. I tried to click on the subitizing materials, but the website is no longer functioning. Can you direct me to a different place where I might find similar materials? Thanks!

    1. Yes – I found somewhere it was hosted and updated the link. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. It’s one of my favorite resources. So simple and yet it works so well.
      – Leslie

  2. Hi! I just saw you are following my blog and hopped over to check you out. Your blog is amazing! Our district worked with Nancy Norman (maybe you’ve heard of her) last year and subitizing became a familiar word to me as I had never known there were levels or even what to call what I had been practicing. Anyway, thank you for following and I look forward to reading your past and future posts!
    -Jen

    Teaching in the Tongass

    1. Hi Jen,
      Thanks for stopping by to say hi and share you connection with subitizing. I’m going to continue to get better at it. I haven’t heard of her but I’d love some professional development outside of reading blogs on it 😉
      – Leslie

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