Teaching Tip: Roll, Read, Erase – A Fun and Flexible Warm-Up for Literacy Learners

This simple activity is a favorite for literacy classrooms because it combines movement, numeracy, reading, and fun—all in a low-prep format. It’s a fantastic way to start class with energy and engagement, especially for adult learners building foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Why We Love It:

• Designed for literacy learners, this activity supports number recognition, basic reading, and classroom participation.

• It's quick to set up—no printing, cutting, or tech required.

• It works great for individuals, pairs, or small groups.

• It’s easy to adapt to multi-level classrooms.

Option 1: Lapboard Number Erase

Materials: Individual whiteboards, dry erase markers, dice

Instructions:

1. Students write the numbers 1–6 on their whiteboards.

2. In pairs or groups, they take turns rolling one die.

3. When a number is rolled, they say the number and erase it.

4. The first student to erase all six numbers wins!

5. To scale up, add a second die (now they’ll erase 2–12) or ask students to write the number word before erasing.

6. Modification: This can be turned into a cooperative activity where the whole group is working to erase all the numbers. They could compete as a group against other groups or you can remove the competition from this activity altogether, depending on the class!

Option 2: Large Group Read and Erase

Materials: Large whiteboard (or poster), pictures or short text labeled 1–6, dice

Instructions:

1. Write or post items on the board, each labeled with a number (e.g., images, vocabulary words, or short sentences).

2. A student rolls the die, reads or identifies the item for that number, and erases or crosses it off.

3. Students race to erase all six items.

4. Make it multi-level:

   • Use simpler images or CVC words for beginners; use short sentences for more advanced learners.

   • Switch from erasing to rewriting the item for added writing practice.

   • Ask students to write their own example sentence with the word or idea before removing it.

Bonus Tips for Literacy Success:

• Keep visual supports available, especially for beginning readers.

• Repeat key vocabulary out loud to build word recognition.

• Pair stronger readers with beginners to build confidence and peer learning.

• Celebrate progress—winning isn’t the goal; participation and practice are!

This engaging warm-up is especially effective in literacy classrooms because it offers repetition, visual support, and hands-on interaction. It’s proof that learning the basics can still be collaborative and joyful!