Human Math Tic-Tac-Toe

by Donna H
(Sterling Heights MI)

I teach special education at a junior high. Math Tic Tac Toe is easily adaptable to any age and ability level since the teacher chooses the questions.

Begin by dividing the students into 2 teams. "Team X" and "Team O" I have them remain in their seats and do a little rearranging to make sure the teams are fair.

Draw a Tic-Tac-Toe grid on the board as a reference. Also arrange 9 chairs in the front of the room 3x3.

Player 1 on Team X is given a question. They may ask for assistance from their team but the final answer comes from Player 1. If it is correct they may sit in any seat in the grid and I write the X on the board to help students visualize it. Team O then has a question to answer and so on. The team may help their team mate choose the best seat to get 3 in a row.

I have used math facts, vocabulary words and life skills questions that I can adapt for each students ability level. The students love getting out of their seats and working as a team.