Make Your Own Game Board

Kids love playing games. They tend to love everything from board game to video games. In my kindergarten classroom, my students love any game I bring in. There is a lot of learning that happens during these game, from math to team work, I love the educational value. I am always looking for new and creative games and activities to share with kids, and today I’m sharing a new favorite with this Make Your Own Game Board.

Children love how big and simple this board game is. It is fairly quick, easy and inexpensive to create as well. I repurposed an old yoga mat to create this game.

A yoga mat is the perfect base to make your own game board. They sell then at dollar stores where I live so I have started using them for various projects. They also roll up easily and are easy to store.

Make your own game board shows a yoga mat.

For more ideas to use an old yoga mat with check out an Easy DIY Car Play Mat and a Yoga Mat Sensory Walk.

Make Your Own Game Board Materials

All you need in order to make your game board is a yoga mat, paint, free game board template and you can also use a protective spray/coating on your finished board.

Make your own game board shows a rolled up yoga mat.

I find acrylic paint works well, but you can use any paint you want. Some paints, like watercolor will not show as well on the board and are likely to chip more and come off. I suggest a modge podge coating on your mat once you’re done painting.

Make your own game board shows a free game board template.

I have included a printable template for the game board, but you can create the board any style and way you want.

DIY Game for Young Kids

There are many ways to create your board that can make prep easier. I created a stencil with three squares cut out on cardboard. This allowed me to easily paint three equally sized squares each time I set my stencil down.

Another option is to draw squares onto your mat. Use whichever technique works best for you.

math for kids shows a square stencil set on a yoga mat.

Begin painting the squares onto the board. Create lines and rows of the squares. You can create any number on squares on your mat.

kindergarten activity shows sections of a game board being painted.

If you have young children playing the game, it is best using larger squares. For older children, your squares can be smaller. Once all of your squares are painted, start adding numbers. If you wait until the squares are fully dry, a permanent marker can make printing the numbers easier.

Make your own game board shows a game board painted on a yoga mat.

Add small details, such as polka dots around your board to make it more appealing. You can add any details or pictures to your board that you think your players will like.

Using Your Activity Board

Once you have finished painting, adding the numbers and any designs, your board is almost completed. I suggest adding a layer of protective coating to your mat since it will be well used!

math game for kindergarten shows a polka dot game board painted onto a yoga mat.

Once have made your game board, you’re ready to play! There are lots of ways you can use the board for different games.

The children’s favorite way to use the board was as a simple number roll game board. Children roll a die and move their player piece the number on the die. Then the next player rolls and moves their piece. The first player to the finish, wins.

kindergarten math shows dice and animal figures on a game baord.

This is a great way for kids to practice counting, by counting the amount on the die, but also counting properly when moving their player piece.

Since the board is so large, you can have several children gathered around it and playing. The size also helps make the number more clear and fun!

kindergarten math shows an activity for kids and squares to move.

This game board, and other creative mats, made from old yoga mats, are an easy and inexpensive way to bring lots of new hands-on learning opportunities to your classroom or home. Simply roll it out and start playing!

Make Your Own Game Board Ideas

I love using this board in my classroom for other activities beyond a game. Some other ideas for using this board are suggested below. It’s a great way to get as much use out of the board as possible.

One activity idea is to have children roll several. I used four dice because my board went up to thirty squares. Children roll all of the dice, count the total and then place a square or piece on the total number they rolled. Then they roll again.

Make your own game board shows a game board and three dice.

Each time they can choose if they roll, one or two or all of the die. With each roll they cover a number until they have been able to roll all of the numbers on the mat.

You can also paint another design on the other side of the game board and you will then have two different mats/games for children to choose from.

Another option is to give children number cards. Each card matches a number on the board. You can do this as a large group and each child places their card on the board, on the matching number.

Free Game Board Template

Print the free game board template to use with the activity above. Subscribe to Play Learn Inspire by clicking the grey lock box below and subscribing through Grow. Once you subscribe you will unlock the other freebies on this page. You will also then receive emails with my latest activity ideas and lots of freebies!

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