Five Outdoor Math Games

Nature Sorting
Along with this beautiful weather we have increased the amount of time we spend each morning in our outdoor program. We have added drawing and writing to our forest frameworks and added a few new math games.  I wanted to share them with you in case you are looking for a refresh.
1.     Roll The Ball: materials include number cards using cardboard so they are not blown on windy days, bocce balls and a piece of twine for a line. Each student has 3 rolls. Students take turns rolling the ball over a number. If they roll over the number they get to take the card. After each student has had 3 rolls they add up their cards to see who has the greatest number.
2.    This and That: this is a easy game and I often use it a lot in the fall as we are getting to know each other. Ask a yes/no question and students move the the side which matches their answer. They move back and forth as you ask each question.i.e.: do you eat blueberries, do you sleep in a bunk bed, do you sleep with a stuffy, do you take swimming lessons, do you have a brother (sister)....
3.    Number Mingle: You call out a number and students form a group i.e.: 3 then you may have 6 groups of 3  and 2 left over. Play multiple rounds.
4.    Quick Images: After a number walk I printed off math images and then quick flash the photo and they take turns identifying the number (I break into two or three groups using student teachers and volunteers). 
If you don't do nature walks then you can use a magnetic white board and large round magnets, moving the magnets to make a number and then flash it. This can still be done in small groups reducing wait time and providing more opportunty in quick rounds for students to participate.
5. Splat: I learned this game from Math Their Way years ago and recently read about it again @Janetnovakowski instagram account (she shares dozens of math ideas). Using thick felt cut into cloud shapes and loose parts (we use small stones collected in the forest). Students cover part of the stones and the partner tells how many are hiding. This game is fun to do in smaller groups using volunteers and student teachers.