Children Created Math Game

I like to put out a variety of different materials for the children to explore each morning.  I usually just put different materials out on the table and let the children decide how to use them.  Today it was really interesting to watch the children determine how to use a set of playing cards and a set of colorful glass beads.  The children created their own game.

Directions:

1.  Each player picks a card. 
2.  Then each player announces what number they have.
3.  Then the player with the largest number gets to put that amount of beads on their playing card.
4.  Then the players pick another card and the game continues.

The children had a fun time playing this game.  They supported each other by helping to count or identify the numerals on the cards.  They took turns and cheered for each other.  Several of the children told me that they were going to teach their families this game.