If you’re after a hands-on way to practise tally marks and build number recognition skills, the Flip & Bump: Tally Marks Game is the perfect pick! This interactive, fast-paced game helps students visualise quantities, recognise tally marks, and identify numbers with accuracy and confidence.

Played in pairs or small groups, students take turns flipping number cards and locating the matching tally mark on the game board. With each match, they place a counter – and if their partner is already there, they get to bump them off! It’s an exciting twist that keeps learners engaged while reinforcing subitising and numeracy skills.

The Flip & Bump: Tally Marks Game is an excellent addition to early years rotations, intervention stations, or fast finisher tubs. The included game boards and number cards come in both high and low colour options, offering flexibility for different classroom printing needs. Just add counters and let the bumping begin!

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and read tally marks for numbers up to 10
• ✅ Subitise and match numbers to visual representations
• ✅ Build fluency in number recognition and representation
• ✅ Practise turn-taking, strategy, and friendly competition
• ✅ Strengthen early maths understanding through visual cues

What’s Included:

• Detailed instructions
• 6 game boards (in high and low colour options)
• Number cards (in high and low colour options)

Materials Needed:

• Printed game boards and number cards (laminate for repeated use)
• Two sets of counters or blocks per pair (12 per student, each in a different colour)
• Scissors (to cut out the number cards)
• Storage bags or containers for easy organisation of cards and counters

How to Use:

1. Print and laminate the game boards and number cards to allow for reuse.
2. Cut out the number cards and shuffle them into a face-down pile.
3. Each pair of students receives one game board and two sets of 12 coloured counters.
4. Students take turns flipping a card and identifying the matching tally mark on the board.
5. If the space is unoccupied, they place their counter. If their partner is already there, they “bump” it off and replace it with their own.
6. If a player lands on a space already occupied by their own counter, they can lock it in place – no more bumping!
7. The game continues until all cards are used or all counters are placed.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include as part of your maths rotation to build number fluency with a fun twist.
• 💡 Use during small group instruction to target students needing support with tally marks.
• 💡 Set up in early finisher tubs for independent or partner play.
• 💡 Host a class tournament where winners rotate and challenge new opponents.
• 💡 Play as a whole-class demo before launching into group gameplay.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Colour-code counters or use linking cubes to keep sets clearly identified between players.
• 💛 Store game boards and cards in zip-lock bags or labelled pouches for quick access.
• 💛 Laminate number cards and tally boards for long-lasting use and durability.
• 💛 Use visuals or anchor charts to review tally marks before gameplay for extra support.
• 💛 Encourage students to explain why a tally mark represents a number as part of number talk routines.

With friendly competition, visual matching, and quick rounds of play, the Flip & Bump: Tally Marks Game makes learning to read and recognise tally marks an energetic and exciting experience your students will love!