Bring counting, comparing, and a little healthy competition to your maths block with Fruit Market Madness. This interactive group game gives students a fun way to practise one-to-one correspondence, number recognition, and comparing quantities through a hands-on market-themed activity.

To play, each student receives a game board and takes turns turning over a number card. They collect that many pieces of fruit using the included printable fruit cards, small fruit counters, buttons, or any manipulatives you have on hand. Once every player has taken a turn, students compare their collections to determine who has the most fruit. That player earns a gold coin to add to their board.

The first student to fill all the spaces on their coin grid is the winner! With bright visuals and repeated counting practise, this game is ideal for small group rotations, maths warm-ups, or even a centre during numeracy week. Use the printable gold coins provided or substitute with play money for an extra real-world twist.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Practise one-to-one correspondence by collecting a set quantity
• ✅ Compare quantities using mathematical language (more/less)
• ✅ Identify numerals and match them to a collection
• ✅ Build turn-taking, reasoning, and game strategy skills

What’s Included

• Individual game boards with coin grids
• Printable number cards (1–10)
• Printable fruit collection cards
• Printable gold coins for game progression
• Instructions for set-up and gameplay

Materials Needed

• Printed game boards, number cards, and fruit cards
• Scissors to cut game pieces
• Laminator (optional) for repeated use
• Play money, counters, or real-life object substitutes (optional)

How to Use

1. Give each student a game board with an empty coin grid
2. Students take turns turning over a number card and collecting the matching quantity of fruit
3. After each round, compare who has the most fruit
4. The player with the largest collection receives a gold coin to place on their board
5. The first player to fill their coin grid wins the game

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as a small group maths centre focused on comparing and counting
• 💡 Pair with a fruit shop dramatic play area to link real-world numeracy
• 💡 Add to your end-of-term games day or as a reward-based activity
• 💡 Use in a mixed-ability group to encourage peer modelling and discussion

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Laminate game boards and coins so they can be used again and again
• 💛 Encourage students to use language like “more than” and “less than” as they compare
• 💛 Store all components in a labelled folder or ziplock bag for easy rotation use

Fruit Market Madness is a playful and purposeful way to build early number skills while reinforcing key maths language and social skills through group gameplay.