Best suited for: First & Second Level / Age 5-7, 8-11
Maths involved: number recognition, counting, symmetry
Materials needed:
paper
pens
2 dice
scissors
sticky tape
Game preparation
This open ended game encourages number recognition and counting, and celebrates the symmetry of snowflakes.
To prep the game, stick two each of the numbers 2, 4 and 6 on to the sides of one die, and two each of a dot, a line and a V symbol on to the other die.
Each player will also need a sheet of paper. Before you start playing, draw four crossed lines across the middle of the paper to create a basic snowflake shape, as shown below:
How to play
Players take in turn to roll the dice, then draw the symbol they have rolled on to their grid, the number of times shown on the other die.
For example, if you roll a 2 and a dot, add two dots to your snowflake.
Remember, snowflakes are symmetrical! Discuss why the die has only even numbers, and where to place your symbols on the grid to keep your snowflake symmetrical.
Play for an agreed number of round, then compare your snowflakes.
Maths Week Scotland is back for 2026 with the theme Maths Matters. To celebrate our tenth year, we will have an extended gala week running over two weekends, from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 September.
It is almost time for the RSPB Big Schools’ Bird Watch – the largest citizen science project for schools across the UK. Sign up to take part, from 6th January- 13th February 2026.
