Is it a double?: what children learn
A double is when two parts are the same, like 2 and 2. Children spot doubles and learn that they make a total, such as 2 and 2 make 4.
Each card shows two groups of yellow dots with numbers. Children sort them into "A double" or "Not a double".
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Numerical Patterns). Children at the expected level of development will: “Explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10, including evens and odds, double facts and how quantities can be distributed equally”. Reception children are usually aged 4–5.
There is no direct equivalent in the US Common Core State Standards. England EYFS (Reception) early learning goal; not published for the US.
How to play
Sort the cards into the right groups. Tap a card, then its group. You can also drag a card, or press the number on its group. Each game has 3 rounds with no timer. Every card is checked as soon as you place it: a card in the wrong group comes back with a hint, and you get a point for each card you place right first time. For a quicker go, choose Quick quiz: 8 multiple-choice questions in 240 seconds (choose Relaxed for more time).
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Look at both sides. Point to each side of the line and say how many.
- Same or different?. If both sides match, it is a double.
- Say the total. For a double, say what it makes: "3 and 3 make 6".
Worked examples
Example 1: 3 and 3
Working: Both sides have 3 dots. They are the same.
Answer: A double
Example 2: 2 and 3
Working: One side has 2, the other has 3.
Answer: Not a double
Example 3: 5 and 5
Working: Five on each side, like two hands.
Answer: A double
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Looking at only one side Point to each side in turn before deciding.
- Thinking any pair is a double A double needs both sides to be the same.
- Mixing up the order 3 and 1 is the same as 1 and 3: still not a double.
Activities to try at home
- Use two hands to show doubles: 2 and 2, 3 and 3.
- Look for doubles on dominoes.
- Share toys equally between two teddies and see if both have the same.
Ideas for the classroom
- Use mirrors with counters to make doubles.
- Paint ladybirds with the same number of spots on each wing.
- Play a doubles snap game with dot cards.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How big do the doubles go?
Up to 5 and 5, which make 10. That fits the number goals for the end of Reception.
Why sort, not add?
Spotting that parts are equal comes before quick recall of double facts.
Is there a timer?
Not in the main game: children sort at their own pace. The separate Quick quiz is optional and has a long, gentle timer; skip it with younger or less confident children.