Thanksgiving Math Games

📝 This post, FREE Thanksgiving Math Games, was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with new information and resources.

My teaching partner and I used to set up math game stations for Grandparents Day, and this Thanksgiving Turkey Math Game was always one of my favorites to pull out. It was easy for families to learn, simple to differentiate, and kept students engaged while practicing important math skills.

The game is versatile enough to be used with students of varying ages and skill levels.

Why Use Thanksgiving Math Games?

Math games are a great way to keep students engaged during the busy weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break. Instead of completing another worksheet, students get hands-on practice with important math skills while having fun. This Thanksgiving Turkey Math Game can be adapted for addition, subtraction, multiplication, number sense, and more, making it a versatile activity for a wide range of learners.

Thanksgiving Math Games

Skills Practiced

Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Number Recognition
Number Order
Math Fact Fluency
Patterning
Strategic Thinking

Materials Needed

✔️ Thanksgiving Math Game Templates
✔️ Paper and printer
✔️ Scissors
✔️ Dice

Preparing the Games

✔️ Print the templates
✔️ Cut out the number cards
✔️ Decide which operation you are going to practice — addition, subtraction, or multiplication — and print the corresponding game page.
✔️ Decide if you are going to use cards or dice to play. The game works the same no matter which tool you choose.

How to Play the Thanksgiving Turkey Math Game

🦃 Place the cards in a pile face down.
🦃 Students pick two cards, record one number on the first turkey’s belly, the second number on the second turkey’s belly, and write the answer on the third turkey’s belly. If using dice, roll two dice instead of picking cards.
🦃 The game is over when all the turkeys are filled!

📝 Note: When playing with subtraction, be sure students remember to put the largest number on the first turkey’s belly!

Tips for Success

💡 Make it a partner game by taking turns solving the math fact.
💡 Use smaller numbers for students who need more practice.
💡 Have manipulatives or a number line available for students who need more support.
💡 Use larger numbers for students who need more of a challenge.
💡 Use a 9 or 20-sided die for an extra challenge!

Other Ways to Play

Once you have made the cards, they can be used in a variety of other ways. Some of the games below require two sets of cards.

Top-It: Each player gets a stack of cards placed face down on the table. Each player turns over one card, and the player with the higher number takes both cards. You can also play, looking for the smaller number!

Traditional Games: Make two sets of the cards and play a traditional game of Old Maid or Go Fish!

Order Up!: Use the cards to practice putting numbers in order. Give each child cards numbered 0-10 and have them put them in order as quickly as they can. You can do it with higher numbers too — and don’t always start at 0!

Order Up! Version 2: Give each player half the deck. The first child puts down one card. The next player picks a card and places it either before or after the number already face up. Players continue adding cards in the correct position in number order.

Math Fact Practice: Math Fact Practice: Players pick two cards and solve the math fact. This also works great for multiplication and subtraction practice.

Pattern Practice: Have students create number patterns, or create a pattern with one number missing and have a player figure out what goes there.

Download the FREE Thanksgiving Math Games here!

These FREE Thanksgiving Math Games are easy to use anytime and anywhere — perfect for classroom centers, at-home practice, or taking on the go when you travel for Thanksgiving!

How will you use these Thanksgiving Math Games? Comment below to share!