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Diwali Tabola Games

Interactive Math & Cultural Learning

Grades K-2
📚 Lesson Overview
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Learning Objectives

  • Math Skills: Number recognition (1-20), counting, one-to-one correspondence, comparing quantities
  • Cultural Awareness: Learn about Diwali celebrations and traditions
  • Social Skills: Taking turns, following game rules, celebrating others' success
  • Fine Motor: Marking cards, handling manipulatives

Common Core Math Standards

  • K.CC.A.3: Write numbers from 0 to 20
  • K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities
  • 1.NBT.A.1: Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120
  • 2.NBT.A.2: Count within 1000; skip-count by 5s, 10s, and 100s
🎒 Materials Needed
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💻
Computer/Tablet For digital game version
🖨️
Printer For printable cards
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Tabola Cards 1 per student (printed)
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Markers Buttons, coins, or beans
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Smartboard/Screen For whole-class play
✂️
Scissors For cutting printed cards
🎮 Three Ways to Play
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Option 1: Digital Smartboard Game

⏱️ 20-30 minutes
👥 Whole class or small groups
📱 Requires device

Best for: Introducing the game, guided practice, or individual device stations

  1. Setup: Open the digital Tabola game on your smartboard or have students access it on tablets/computers
  2. Introduction (5 min): Explain that Tabola is like Bingo and is played during Diwali celebrations. Show the 3×3 grid with numbers 1-20
  3. Demo (5 min): Click "Call Next Number" and model how to find and click that number on your card. Show how to check for 3-in-a-row
  4. Gameplay (15 min): Students play the game, clicking numbers as they're called. Celebrate when someone gets 3-in-a-row!
  5. Reflection (5 min): Discuss: "What patterns did you notice?" "Which numbers were called the most?"
💡 Teacher Tip:

For younger students (K-1st), play as a whole class with the smartboard. Have students come up to click numbers while classmates count aloud together.

🖨️

Option 2: Printable Cards with Digital Caller

⏱️ 25-35 minutes
👥 Whole class or small groups
📄 Printed cards needed

Best for: Traditional game experience with hands-on learning

  1. Preparation: Print Tabola cards (1 per student) using the card generator. Have students cut along dotted lines. Provide markers (buttons, beans, or coins)
  2. Cultural Connection (5 min): Show pictures of Diwali diyas (lamps) and explain how families play games together during the festival of lights
  3. Game Rules (5 min): Give each student a card and markers. Explain: "I'll call numbers using the digital caller. Find the number on your card and cover it with a marker. First to get 3 in a row wins!"
  4. Gameplay (20 min): Use the digital number caller on your computer/smartboard. Call numbers, giving students time to find and mark them. Younger students can count aloud as they search
  5. Winner Check: When someone shouts "Tabola!", have them read their winning row aloud to verify (reinforces number recognition)
  6. Continue: Play multiple rounds so different students can win
💡 Teacher Tip:

Laminate cards for reuse! Students can use dry-erase markers or place markers directly on the laminated surface.

🎲

Option 3: Traditional No-Tech Version

⏱️ 30-40 minutes
👥 Small groups or centers
✋ Fully hands-on

Best for: Independent centers, no-tech classrooms, or student-led play

  1. Preparation: Print Tabola cards and create number cards 1-20 (write each number on an index card). Place number cards in a bag or bowl
  2. Student Caller: Assign a "caller" who draws number cards from the bag and announces them to the group
  3. Gameplay: Players mark their cards as numbers are called. The caller keeps drawn numbers visible so players can double-check
  4. Verification: When someone gets 3-in-a-row, the caller checks the winning numbers against the drawn cards
  5. Rotation: Winner becomes the new caller for the next round
💡 Teacher Tip:

This version is perfect for math centers! Students practice number recognition, taking turns, and leadership skills as they rotate being the caller.

🎯 Differentiation Strategies
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🌱 Emerging Learners (Kindergarten)

  • Use whole-class format with smartboard
  • Count aloud together when searching for numbers
  • Partner students for peer support
  • Use larger print cards
  • Focus on horizontal rows only first

📈 On-Level Learners (1st Grade)

  • Play standard game independently
  • Recognize all winning patterns (rows, columns, diagonals)
  • Take turns being the caller in small groups
  • Track called numbers on paper

⭐ Advanced Learners (2nd Grade)

  • Play "Blackout" - cover all 9 numbers
  • Create their own Tabola cards
  • Keep score across multiple rounds
  • Calculate probability of winning patterns
  • Lead the game for younger students
🌟 Extension Activities
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Cross-Curricular Connections

  • Art: Decorate Tabola cards with diya drawings, rangoli patterns, or color the numbers
  • Writing: Write about "My Favorite Part of Playing Tabola" or "What I Learned About Diwali"
  • Social Studies: Research how different countries celebrate Diwali. Compare with other cultural games
  • Math Extension: Graph "How many rounds did we play?" or "Which numbers were called most often?"
  • Family Connection: Send cards home for families to play together during Diwali week
📊 Assessment Opportunities
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Observe students for:

  • Number Recognition: Can they quickly identify called numbers?
  • One-to-One Correspondence: Do they accurately mark one space per number?
  • Pattern Recognition: Can they identify 3-in-a-row patterns?
  • Counting Skills: How do they search their card? Systematically or randomly?
  • Social Skills: Do they take turns? Celebrate others' wins?

🔗 Access the Games

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Digital Interactive Game

Play directly in browser - perfect for smartboards and individual devices. Numbers are called automatically!

🖨️
Printable Card Generator

Generate 4-24 unique cards at once. Includes built-in number caller for hybrid play!

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Count the Diyas Math Activities

Additional interactive worksheets for counting, comparing, and addition practice with Diwali themes.

Happy Diwali from our classroom to yours! 🪔✨
We hope these activities bring light, learning, and joy to your students.