Learning odd and even numbers takes some practice. We can help make that practice more fun by creating this hands-on math game for learning odd and even numbers. Essentially this starts as a sorting game. But, it builds recognition and strengthens mental math skills.

To start you will need two colors of construction paper, scissors, and a marker. I used one sheet of yellow construction paper and one piece of blue.

Fold the pieces of paper in half, lengthwise. Cut along the fold line. You will have two pieces of each color of paper.

After, use one half of each color and fold it lengthwise again. Cut that along the fold line.

You will have one thicker piece of each color and two thinner strips of each color paper.

Then on one thick strip of paper write “Even 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.” On the thick strip of the other color write “Odd and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.”

On the remaining strips of paper, write out the odd numbers on one (that matches the odd paper) and the even numbers on the other (that matches the even paper. Odd numbers should be written on the same color paper as the one labeled “Odd,” and so on.

Cut these numbers apart so you have individual number cards. I wrote numbers up to the thirties. You will teach how the ones place digit will show whether it is odd or even.

Then, help your child match the number cards to the correct number card. They will place the odd numbers that match on that card and the even numbers on the other card.

To extend this activity, write larger numbers on additional pieces of paper. Sort those by odds and evens looking at the ending digit. The ones place determines where a number goes.

It’s important to teach this identifier. Very soon your child will be an odds and evens master. This game helped my twins remember odds and evens early on. It was easy to make. They enjoyed working on this game for their math.

Math games are a great way to teach math concepts in a hands on way. Check out all of our math game ideas for more math activities.