Football Squares for Kids
Football squares for kids is the same simple game with small prizes and no money. It works at home, at a party and in a classroom, and it gives children a reason to follow the score.
Can kids play football squares?
Yes. Football squares need no knowledge of football and no skill. A child writes a name in a square and waits for the score, so every player has the same chance. Play for fun or for small prizes, and leave money out of a game with children.
How do you run football squares in a classroom?
Use a small grid, so each student gets at least one square. Let the class fill the squares, then draw the numbers 0 to 9 together. After the game, write the score for each quarter on the board and ask the students to find the winning square.
- Print a 25 or 50 square grid from the printable football squares page.
- Write one team across the top and the other down the side.
- Let each student write a name in a square until the grid is full.
- Draw the numbers 0 to 9 from a cup for the top, then again for the side.
- The next day, write the score at the end of each quarter on the board.
- Ask the class to take the last digit of each score and find the winning square.
What math can children learn from football squares?
The game uses the last digit of a number, so it gives practice with place value. Finding a square on the grid is practice with rows and columns. Older students can count how often each digit wins and talk about chance, using real scores from a game.
| Skill | How the game uses it |
|---|---|
| Place value | Take the last digit of a score, such as the 7 in 17 |
| Rows and columns | Find the square where a top number and a side number meet |
| Addition | Add the points scored in each quarter to get the score |
| Chance and data | Count which digits win most often over several games |
For a data lesson, the best numbers page shows how often each digit ended a score in 1,359 NFL games.
Which grid size works best for children?
A 25 square grid is the best start. The squares are large, and a child can find a name quickly. For a full class, a 50 square grid lets each student take 1 or 2 squares. Keep the 100 square grid for older students and bigger groups.
What prizes work for children?
- Stickers or a small treat for each quarter.
- First in line, or a choice of the next game.
- A homework pass, if your school allows it.
- A paper trophy that the winner keeps for a week.
Football Squares for Kids FAQ
What age can children play football squares?
Any child who can write a name and read the numbers 0 to 9 can play. Younger children can play with help.
Do children need to understand football?
No. They only need the score at the end of each quarter.
Should children play for money?
No. Use small prizes or play for fun. The game works the same way.
How long does the game take in class?
About 10 minutes to fill the grid and draw the numbers, and 10 minutes the next day to find the winners.
Can a class play without watching the game?
Yes. The teacher only needs the score at the end of each quarter, which is published after every game.
Is there a simpler form for young children?
Yes. A 10 line game has only 10 squares and one rule.
Start football squares for kids
Football squares for kids needs one printed grid and a few minutes. For the full rules, read how to play football squares. For the shortest form of the game, see 10 line football squares.
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