How to Turn Hungry Hippos into a Math Game

​My kids LOVE the game Hungry Hippos. It is one of our favorite games to play when it's 'game time.' Since I like to look for ways to turn any game into an opportunity for learning, I came up with a simple 'upgrade' to include some math to this fast and fun game. The math focus in this 'upgraded' activity will be addition with multiple addends. This activity is ideal for math practice at home, math centers, or a game corner if you have in the classroom. 

First, you will need to have the Hungry Hippos game or a game with a similar concept. 

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​Then using a marker or small sticker labels, write numbers 1 – 10 on each of the game balls. 

    Differentiation options:

• --> Make it easier by only labeling with numbers 1 - 5.

--> Make it harder by labeling with larger numbers or decimals.

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​Then you’re ready to play.

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​Play the game as usual. Once the Hungry Hippos eat all the balls, players must add up the numbers on the balls that they scored. The player with the highest total sum wins the game! 

Some other differentiation options include:
 - number recognition
- ordering the numbers scored from least to greatest
- Try to make the largest number possible out of the digit balls scored


Learning and fun should go together to make things stick, and this is a great option for working on some math practice at home or as a fun math center in the classroom.