The Best Even and Odd Numbers Resources for Kids

Even and Odd Numbers

📝 This post, Odd and Even Numbers, was originally published in 2014 and has been updated with new information and resources.

Once! Twice! Three! Shoot! That was a game my dad would play with us when I was growing up. Each player chose either odds or evens. When he said “shoot,” we would put out 1 or 2 fingers. If the total number of fingers was odd, the odds player got a point. If the total was even, the evens player got a point. This game could go on for hours and would have us all rolling on the floor with laughter — and the best part? We were learning math without even realizing it!

Understanding even and odd numbers is one of those foundational math concepts that shows up everywhere! Once students grasp the difference between even and odd numbers, they start seeing patterns in math that make everything else easier to understand.

Why Teach Even and Odds?

Understanding even and odd numbers helps students recognize patterns, build number sense, and develop skills they will use throughout their math journey.

✔️ It builds number sense — students begin to see that numbers have properties and patterns beyond just their value 

✔️ It lays the groundwork for multiplication and division — even numbers can always be divided into two equal groups, which is a key concept for later math

✔️ It supports skip counting — even numbers follow the 2, 4, 6, 8 pattern which connects to counting by twos

✔️ It helps with real-world math — setting the table, sharing equally, counting pairs of shoes — even and odd numbers are everywhere in daily life!

✔️ It develops algebraic thinking — recognizing and extending patterns is an early algebra skill

The good news? Even and odd numbers are also really fun and easy to teach with the right activities and games! The best part is that students learn this concept quickly when they can see, touch, move, and play with numbers. Here are some of my favorite ways to teach even and odd numbers in the classroom.

Ways to Teach Even and Odd Numbers

Learning through games is the best way to practice even and odd numbers — it keeps the learning light and fun!

Using Fingers: Just like the game my dad taught me! Two players each choose odd or even. On the count of three, each player puts out 1 or 2 fingers. If the total is odd, the odd player scores a point. If the total is even, the even player scores. Simple, fun, and no materials needed!

Using Cards:  Grab a deck of cards and remove the face cards. Divide the deck into two piles. Each player chooses odd or even. Players each flip one card from the top of their pile. If the sum of the two numbers is even, the even player takes both cards. If the sum is odd, the odd player takes them. Ties are broken by flipping again!

💡Try this!  Even and Odd Number Game 

Using Dice: Played just like the card game above, but using dice instead! Use a standard 6-sided die for beginners or try a 9-sided or 20-sided die for a bigger challenge! 

Board Games: Players pick a card and move along the game board as they identify odd and even numbers — great for math centers and early finishers!

💡Try this!  Even and Odd Board Game

Through Crafts:  Students create either an even monster or an odd monster! If they choose even, everything on their monster must come in even numbers — an even number of arms, legs, and hairs on their head. If they choose odd, the same idea but with odd numbers. Kids absolutely love this one!

💡Try this! Even and Odd Numbers: Monsters Craft and Graphing Activities

Pen and Paper Activities: These activities pair perfectly with Even Steven and Odd Todd, but can be used on their own, too!

💡Try this! Odd and Even Games, Graphing Activity, and More!

Even and Odd Books

Books are a wonderful way to introduce even and odd numbers because they help students grasp the concept in meaningful, memorable ways. These are some of my favorite read-alouds for teaching even and odd numbers.

Even Steven and Odd Todd by Kathryn Cristaldi

Even Steven likes everything in even numbers — his pets, his books, even his pancakes! So when Cousin Odd Todd shows up, things get a little chaotic. Kids will giggle at this one and secretly start checking if everything around them is even or odd!

Missing Mittens by Stuart J. Murphy

Every animal on Farmer Bill’s farm is missing one mitten — but is that an odd or even number of mittens? Kids love solving this cozy mystery while practicing even and odd without even realizing it!

Even or Odd? by Joanne Mattern

Simple, clear, and perfect for young learners! This straightforward concept book uses photos and easy text to help kids discover the difference between even and odd numbers.

The Odds Get Even by Pamela Hall

What happens when the even numbers decide they don’t need the odd numbers? Chaos at the Food Mart, that’s what! This interactive book with pop-ups, pull-tabs, and flaps makes even and odd numbers absolutely unforgettable!

Odd and Even Socks by Melanie Chrismer

Paired socks are even, one lonely sock is odd — it’s that simple! This clever concept book uses something every kid knows to teach a math concept every kid needs!

One Odd Day by Doris Fisher

A boy wakes up to find one shoe, a shirt with three sleeves, and a dog with five legs — everything is odd! Kids will spend ages hunting for all the hidden odd things in the illustrations. So much fun!

My Even Day by Doris Fisher

The hilarious sequel to One Odd Day — this time, everything is even, including Mom’s two heads! Another wonderful read-aloud that makes even and odd numbers stick!

Among the Odd and Evens: A Tale of Adventure by Priscilla Turner

X and Y crash-land in the Kingdom of Wontoo where Odds are eccentric and Evens are orderly — sound familiar? This pun-filled adventure is perfect for older readers who are ready for a little more math humor! 💚

Did you try one of these even and odd activities with your students? We would love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite way to teach even and odd numbers!