Foam Counting Blocks Are For More Than Just Counting!

I found these at my local Dollar Tree, but I'm sure you can find similar ones else where.  I have also seen wooden counting blocks, but I prefer these for my stations since they are quieter.

When you first take them out of the package, they are sort of stuck to each other.

But they are really easy to pull apart.

Here is one option.  Create your own foam dice!

I first tap marker where I want my dots to go on the cube.

I then make the dots larger.  This helps me keep them lined up.

So there you have it! A pair of foam dice.  I used actual dice to determine the placement of the dots. Here is how they are set up, in case you don't have access to any.
1 is across from 6, 2 is across from 5, and 3 is across from 4.
These would be great to use with the Game Board I created HERE.

You don't have to use these only for dice.

There are a variety of uses.

Make fraction dice.
You can have students roll the dice and then add, subtract, multiply or divide them.

Make percent dice.
Have students roll dice, convert percent to decimals, then have them add or subtract them. 

Make decimal dice.
Have students roll dice, then add, subtract, multiply or divide.

Here's a good one!  Give students two percent dice, two decimal dice and two fraction dice.  Have them roll and then place them in order from least to greatest!

Bright, colorful, inexpensive and so easy to make!

Here are a few tips when making your own foam dice:

• Use a fine tip permanent marker. Thicker markers tend to bleed on the foam.
• Wait a few seconds for ink to dry so that there are no smudges on your cube.
• Write down numbers you would like to use on paper before creating your dice so that there are no repeats.

Thanks for looking!  Hope this was helpful!!

Stations From Store Ads? YEEEESSSS!!!!!!

Some people call them "store ads", others call them "store circulars".  I call them "STATIONS"!!!!

All you need are "store ads", scissors, glue, index cards and your imagination!

Here is a set I made to use as a station in my math class.

I wrote the answers on adhesive labels and stuck them on the backs of the cards to make the station self-checking! I use adhesive labels, because sometimes the writing will go through the card and students can see the answer.

Here is a closer look at the directions I provided to give you an idea. I like to include skills covered.


I am attaching pictures of some of the cards below to give you ideas for the types of questions you can create for your station.




I hope this idea inspires you. You can create problems for many types of skills, including Financial Literacy standards! I'm listing some more ideas below to help.

• How much money will you get back if you pay with a $20 bill?
• What is this amount rounded to the nearest dollar?
• How many can you buy if you only have $10? (tax not included)
• If sales tax is 8.25%, how much will your total cost be?
• For sales such as "3 for $5", you can ask this question: How much will you pay for eight?"

The possibilities are endless and it will cost pennies to create! In addition, you are using real life situations and the ads are colorful.

Take it to the next level! Have your students create a card, independently, with a partner, or in a group.  Have them include the answer. Not only can you use this as an evaluation, but you just had your whole class create another station.  They will love seeing their own creations!

Here are more activities that involve percents and money from my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

Find the Percent of a Number Loop Game

Thanksgiving Dinner Unit Rates Matching Card Set

The Twelve Days of Christmas Unit Rate Word Problems - Proportions

Hope this helps!