This week we learnt all about rainbow numbers. Rainbow numbers are pairs of numbers that add up to ten: 0 and 10, 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6 and 5 and 5. They are called rainbow numbers because if you draw a loopy line between them on the number line... it makes a rainbow! Our goal is to learn the rainbow numbers so we know them like lightning. A really fun way to practice is by playing Rainbow Cover Up. Here is how you do it:
To play you need
two players
a handful of counters (or buttons) of the same colour (a different colour for each player)
a ten-sided die *
a cover up game board (it only takes a moment to make your own, have a look at the pictures)
The Rules
The players take it in turns to roll the die. When you roll a number, you put your counter on the rainbow number partner of that number. For example, if you roll a 6 you put it on 4. If there is already one of your opponents counters on that square, you can push it off. If you get the rainbow number wrong, you don't get to put a counter down.
You keep playing until all the squares are covered. The winner is the person with the most counters on the board. The winner gets to have the first roll in the next game!
*If you want to play at home and you don't have a ten-sided die, you can write the numbers 0-10 on pieces of card and draw them out of a bag or bowl.
