Odd or even?: what children learn
Even numbers can be shared into pairs with none left over. Odd numbers always leave one on its own.
Each card shows a number with that many socks, shoes, gloves, cherries or boots. Children pair them up and sort the card into even or odd.
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.
- Pair them up. Point to two things at a time as partners.
- Look for one left. If one has no partner, the number is odd.
- Say the pattern. Notice that 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are even.
Worked examples
Example 1: 4 🧤🧤🧤🧤
Working: Two pairs of gloves, nothing left over.
Answer: Even
Example 2: 5 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒
Working: Two pairs and one cherry on its own.
Answer: Odd
Example 3: 1 🧦
Working: One sock has no partner.
Answer: Odd
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Calling 1 even A single sock has no partner, so 1 is odd.
- Losing track while pairing Cover or tick each pair as you go.
- Thinking big numbers are even Size does not matter; pairs do. 9 is odd.
Activities to try at home
- Pair socks from the washing and ask if any are left over.
- Line toys up two by two to see if everyone has a partner.
- Jump along the stairs saying even numbers on every second step.
Ideas for the classroom
- Have children line up in pairs and decide if the class number is odd or even.
- Use Numicon or pegs to build numbers and look for the bump.
- Sort number cards into a sock-pairs washing line.
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
Does my child need the words odd and even?
They help, but the key idea is pairs with none, or one, left over.
Why socks and shoes?
They come in pairs, so children can see partners easily.
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.