Math Review Game: Egg Carton Scramble

One of our favorite review games over the past few years has come in the form of a used, but clean, egg carton.  Ideally, the styrofoam versions with completely enclosed tops work best, but the ones with holes on the top (shown here) work too.

Although we use egg cartons for all kinds of games, they are especially handy for a quick math review. This week, Sweetie Pea used one to review her multiplication facts.  It also works well for addition facts, but gets a bit tricky when attempting subtraction and division.  

To play, write a number at the bottom of each egg cup.  Place two "markers" in the carton.  We used square Base Ten units, but you could also use marbles, pennies, checker chips...any small object will do.

The player closes the carton, gives it a couple quick shakes, and then opens it to reveal which two numbers the "markers" landed on.

Since she was reviewing her multiplication facts, Sweetie Pea had to multiply 4 times 12 and give me the correct answer.

Later that day, I took out one of the "markers" and let Blonde Warrior have a turn.  His goal was to identify the name of the number that the "marker" landed on.  

Helpful hint:  If your egg carton does have holes in the top, you can always cover the entire top with a piece of paper.  I always opt for "simple" and just encourage the kids not to shake up and down...but side to side.