From Tavern Game to Teaching Tool: The History of Shut the Box and the Power of Hands-On Math 

Math often gets a bad rap—especially in the early years. It can feel abstract, intimidating, or simply disconnected from the world children live in. But when math comes to life through play, it becomes something entirely different: joyful, engaging, and accessible. One example of this transformation is a centuries-old game called Shut the Box. Once played in taverns and pubs, this classic dice game has found new purpose in classrooms and homes as a powerful multisensory tool for building math skills in young learners. 

A Quick History of Shut the Box 

Shut the Box is believed to have originated in 12th-century Normandy, France. Initially a gambling game enjoyed by sailors and pub-goers, the game’s mechanics were simple: players rolled dice and flipped down numbered tiles—typically 1 through 9—based on the sum of their dice roll. The goal was to “shut” all the numbers, and the player with the lowest remaining score won the round. 

Over time, the game traveled across Europe and eventually made its way into England and the U.S. Though its popularity as a gambling game faded, it gained a new identity as a family-friendly pastime and educational resource. Today, Shut the Box is used in homes and classrooms not just as a game, but as a valuable teaching tool—especially for early math learners. 

How the Game Works 

The modern version of Shut the Box typically includes a wooden box with numbered tiles and a pair of dice. Players roll the dice and use the total to shut down one or more numbered tiles that add up to the sum. For example, if a player rolls a 7, they might shut the 7 tile, or the 3 and 4, or the 2 and 5. The game continues until no more moves are possible, and the goal is to shut all the numbers. 

This simple structure offers more than meets the eye. Behind the fun lies a rich landscape for learning—one that invites counting, addition, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. 

The Power of Multisensory, Hands-On Play 

What makes Shut the Box such an effective tool for teaching math? The answer lies in its hands-on, multisensory nature. 

Children learn best when they can see, hear, and physically interact with concepts. Multisensory learning engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, reinforcing understanding through experience. Rather than memorizing numbers on a worksheet, children actively manipulate objects, hear number names aloud, and visualize relationships between numbers in real time. 

Here’s how Shut the Box taps into core benefits of multisensory play: 

1. Concrete Representation of Abstract Concepts In early math, understanding that numbers represent quantities—not just symbols on a page—is a major milestone. In Shut the Box, each tile represents a concrete number, and flipping it down physically reinforces that understanding. Children see and feel the math as it happens, building foundational number sense. 
2. Developing Addition and Decomposition Skills The game requires players to add numbers quickly and think about number combinations. Rolling a 9 doesn’t just mean flipping the 9 tile—it could mean flipping 4 and 5, or 2, 3, and 4. This promotes flexible thinking, decomposition, and mental math—all crucial skills for later success in arithmetic. 
3. Encouraging Strategic Thinking While it may seem like a game of chance, Shut the Box involves strategy. Players learn to assess risk, think ahead, and make choices based on which tiles remain. These decisions engage executive function skills, helping children practice logic and planning. 
4. Boosting Engagement Through Play Play is the natural language of children. When learning feels like play, motivation soars. Games like Shut the Box foster positive emotional connections to math, building confidence and curiosity. A child who may struggle with flashcards or drills may thrive in a playful, low-stress setting. 

Bringing Shut the Box Into the Classroom or Home 

Educators and families can easily incorporate Shut the Box into math time. It can be played in pairs, small groups, or one-on-one. Variations can be added to meet different learning needs: 

• Single dice versions for younger learners practicing numbers 1–6 

• Timed challenges to build fluency 

• Modified rules to focus on even/odd numbers, multiples, or subtraction 

It’s also an excellent tool for inclusive learning environments. The tactile, visual, and kinesthetic elements make it especially helpful for students with learning differences, including dyscalculia, ADHD, or autism. 

The Bigger Picture: Why Hands-On Learning Matters 

Shut the Box is just one example of how multisensory math can transform early learning. Programs like TouchMath have long championed this approach, using touchpoints, visual supports, and manipulatives to make numbers meaningful and accessible. Research shows that children who learn through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences retain concepts longer and develop a deeper understanding of math. 

In a world that increasingly emphasizes digital tools, it’s important not to overlook the power of physically engaging with learning materials. When children can touch, see, and move through math, it stops being abstract and starts becoming real. 

No box? No problem! You don’t need a fancy game set to enjoy Shut the Box. Just print our card version, grab your scissors, and you’re ready to play! We’ve even included a template to create your own paper dice—perfect for classrooms, road trips, or rainy days. All the hands-on math fun, no box required!