My rising Kindergartener loves strategy games. He loves to think about his next move, and he also loves to win. – This means he could use some practice losing. (hello, life skill!) I personally love painter’s tape and cardboard. Kindergarten Tic-Tac-Toe is a great way to practice both! Introducing a giant game of Tic Tac Toe from cardboard and painter’s tape. Your next rainy day with kids at home is covered.
What I notice as my kindergartener plays
I’ll admit, my Kindergartener sometimes wins at this math game.
And this is not because I let him win. (sigh) My tic-tac-toe skills are actually a little rusty and could use some practice.
And here’s the other thing. Five-year-olds are at a place where they are being asked to be more responsible and are required to live up to a demanding schedule. This new routine can be draining on all of us.
I must remember to slow down and spend time with my five-year-old between busy schedules. This easy game for kids is a fun way to connect with my rising Kindergartener.
RELATED: Have a five or six-year-old? Here are 30 Kindergarten activities to try!
Big Kid Activity Cards
Because our big kids crave hands-on learning, too!
20 hands-on activities for ages 5.5-8 years old.
Why are classic math activities like this important?
Besides learning how to win and lose, my Kindergartener also learns how to take turns and think ahead. Board games for kids are an excellent tool to practice this.
My rising Kindergartener will also revisit this in Kindergarten.
Children using the Common Core will work on following agreed-upon rules for discussions.
This classic kindergarten Tic-Tac-Tac-Toe game will create an opportunity to take turns based on the agreed-upon rules and initiate conversation as players place game pieces on the board. It is a quick indoor game to play in between school and sports.
RELATED: Looking for Kindergarten books your child will adore? Look no further, I made a fun list of classics.
Kindergarten tic tac toe is simple to make!
Do you still have that Amazon box you forgot to break down in the garage? Perfect. Let’s grab it!
- I found cardboard squares in our garage. (Yet, another excuse that Amazon Prime is necessary.)
- I wrote an X on five squares.
- I wrote an O on five squares.
- Finally, I used painter’s tape to create the grid on my tabletop.
My five-year-old and I must have played at least 25 games! Can you play this with your preschooler too? Sure! I find that five seems to be the magic age for tic tac toe, when it truly clicks.
Pro Tip: No cardboard? You can also use construction paper or cardstock!
Supplies
For this Kindergarten activity, you will need some cardboard squares, a permanent marker, and painter’s tape.
Days with Grey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
Painter’s Tape
No one prepared me for how much painter’s tape we would go through! It is absolutely one of our favorite supplies for kid activities.
Tic-Tac-Toe is a great way to spend time with your big kid
Make it large, and watch the thinking and bonding explode. – I am off to set us up again for tomorrow! When will you set up this giant tic-tac-toe?
FAQ
As a former teacher, I prepare my child for starting preschool by preregistering for school over summer vacation, attending the open house, and reading books to create conversation about school. I also allow time for my child to practice opening lunch containers and zipping his jacket, along with other life skills, to boost confidence and independence. Here are 5 tips for a successful first day of kindergarten.
Five and six-year-olds need to move their bodies, dig hands deep in new textures, and manipulate objects to develop a deeper understanding of how things work. Kindergarteners can work on essential skills such as counting, letter sounds, and addition through communicating ideas, problem-solving, building, and constructing. Here are 30 kindergarten activities for five and six-year-olds.
