What children will learn
- Plan and create an original game with clear, fair rules
- Use maths through counting, scoring and challenge questions
- Test, get feedback and improve a design
You'll need
- A large piece of cardboard (the back of a cereal box or a flattened box)
- Coloured pencils or markers
- Paper for cards
- Scissors
- One or two dice
- Small objects for counters (buttons, bottle caps, coins)
How to do it
- Choose a theme — a journey through the outback, an ocean adventure or a space race — and decide how a player wins.
- Draw a path of 30–50 squares on the cardboard. Mark some as special squares: 'move ahead 3', 'go back 2' or 'take a challenge card'.
- Make 12–20 challenge cards with maths questions at the right level for the players. Correct answers earn a bonus move.
- Write the rules clearly: how to start, how to move, what each special square does and how to win.
- Play-test with the family. Afterwards, ask: was it too long, too short, fair? Change one thing and play again.
Make it easier
Make a shorter board of 20 squares and use addition challenge cards with numbers up to 10.
Make it harder
Use two dice and add a scoring system with money or points, or calculate which square players land on most often.
Parent tip: Keep the play-testers honest but kind — 'I liked… and I wonder if…' is a great way to give feedback on a game.
Fantastic work! Every little step helps you grow.