2-4-6 sparkle is the perfect time filler game. This activity is one of our basic math skills games that kids will truly enjoy. Kids enjoy the theatrics of the activity, and the comradery of playing together.
How to Play 2-4-6 Sparkle
Play 2-4-6 Sparkle as a waiting activity, or just a fun way to practice math skills. Entertain younger children with a counting by multiples version of 2-3-6 sparkle, and keep older children engaged with a multiplication version of 2-4-6 Sparkle.
How to Pick your Sparkle Number For Younger Children learning Addition
2-4-6 Sparkle is a counting game. Decide if you want the kids to count by 2’s, 3’s or 5’s. Then pick a number to be the sparkle number. The sparkle number should be at learn 5 numbers into the game meaning, if you are counting by 2’s it should be at least 10, if you are counting by 3’s it should be at least 15, and if you are counting by 5 it should be at least 25. The more confident you are with their ability to count by multiples the higher the number you can select. Once you decide on your sparkle number get the game started.
To start, have kids stand in a circle. Select one person to start, or if you are playing, you can start. The first person starts with the first number, for example, 2. The person to the left of that person says the second number, 4 and so on around the circle. When you get to the sparkle number, instead of saying the number, that child theatrically shakes his or her fingers in a jazz hands motion and yells “Sparkle”.
Once a child is a sparkle they sit down in the circle, they are now out of the round. Then, the person to the left starts again with 2. The game continues until you have one remaining person. If you have enough time, the remaining person can choose the number to count by for the next round.
How to Pick your Sparkle Number for Older Children Learning Multiplication
2-4-6 Sparkle is a counting game, however it can be used to practice multiplication facts. To pick the sparkle number decide on what multiplication facts you want to practice than multiply it by 12. Let’s say you want to practice multiples of 3 then your sparkle number is 36. Now that you have your sparkle number, you can start the game.
Just like addition, 2-4-6 Sparkle kids stand in a circle. The first person starts with the first number. Keeping with the example that number is 3. The person to the left of that person says the second number, 6 and so on around the circle, the third person says 9 and so on. When you get to the sparkle number, instead of saying the number, that child theatrically shakes his or her fingers in a jazz hands motion and yells “Sparkle”.
Once a child is a sparkle they sit down in the circle, they are now out of the round. Then, the person to the left starts again with 3. The game continues until you have one remaining person. If you have enough time, the remaining person can choose the number to count by for the next round.
