Using colored tiles in the classroom doesn’t have to mean “put out a bin of tiles and see what happens.” These colorful squares are often overlooked, but they’re full of potential when paired with intentional, hands-on tasks.
Whether you use them in morning tubs, math centers, or early finisher rotations, colored tiles activities provide students with a concrete way to explore patterning, symmetry, area, and more.
Here are two no-prep ideas that get your students thinking creatively with tiles—plus a favorite printable activity that’s always a hit in my classroom.
Try This! Color Code Creation
Assign each tile color a point value, for example:
- Red = 1
- Blue = 2
- Yellow = 0
- Green = 10
Give students a blank grid (5x5 works well) and let them fill it using any combination of colored tiles, with the only rule being that they must use at least one of each color. When they’re done, they calculate the total “value” of their creation by adding up the points based on the colors they used.
Why try this game?
This activity sneaks in addition, counting, and early place value while encouraging students to be strategic with their tile choices. It also opens the door for extensions like: Who can create the highest-value grid? What would the lowest-value grid look like?
Try This! Tile Trails
Print a simple path-style game board with boxes labeled with different patterns to create. Students roll a die and move along the path, completing each pattern using colored tiles in their workspace beside the board. They continue moving and building until they reach the finish!
Why try this game?
It adds a sense of play and purpose to tile exploration while reinforcing patterning and fine motor skills. You can easily differentiate by changing the complexity of the patterns.
Do You Need More Activities? I've Got You Covered!
If you’re ready to move beyond informal tile play and explore real math concepts, What’s My Area? is a student-favorite activity from my Colored Tiles Morning Tubs set.
In this task, students estimate, then cover and measure the area of various shapes using colored tiles. Some shapes are regular and predictable, while others are more abstract—adding a layer of challenge. Students love seeing how close their estimates are to the final tile count!
Why it’s a hit:
- Makes area measurable and hands-on
- Promotes number sense and problem-solving
- Can be done independently or with a partner
- Feels more like a game than a worksheet!
Are You Ready for More Hands-On Fun?
If you're looking for activities for colored tiles that go beyond just patterns and free exploration, my Colored Tiles Math Activities set includes 6 ready-to-use printable activities.
Have your students explore:
- Repeating color patterns
- Symmetry
- Measurement of area
- Visual discrimination
- Positional language
They’re perfect for K–1 students, low-prep (just print and go!), and designed for independence.
Using colored tiles in the classroom doesn’t have to be just busy work. With simple, strategic activities like Color Code Creation, Tile Trails, or printable tasks like What’s My Area?, your students will build critical math skills all while having fun with manipulatives they already know and love.
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