Children play a lot but as they do so, they can be encouraged to learn something like math games. True, many kids around the world think of worksheets and flashcards when they think about math. That’s boring! However, it doesn’t have to be that dull. What I present here below are loads of ideas that can be adapted to suit a variety of math concepts. Surely, your child will benefit greatly when he or she chooses a few of these concepts and tries them out.
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1. Math garden
Of course, kids can do wonderful things when they engage in this math garden game. They can many games with sidewalk chalk. It is possible to draw a basic flower with 10 petals or as desired. The kids can write numbers (a number) to multiply. Or the other way round, they could write a number to subtract in the middle and they will fill the petals with the correct answers.
2. Life-size number line
You may walk the number line. It is a cool idea for adding and subtracting by walking the line with the numbers. These games are so much fun for kids! This can be enjoyed in the classroom as the children will get more fun and understanding from it. The game helps students to see where fractions compare to 0, ½, or 1. You could make it big enough for the kids to stand and jump around on sidewalk chalk. It’s all fun.
3. Target toss graphing activities
In this case, you are able to teach the children graphing in several ways. The students can throw balls onto a target, graphing and analyzing what they throw as it goes. It is a simple gross motor math game that preschoolers can also get involved in. The kids can practice counting with the dice. The kids could also use other things such as beanbags, or rubber chickens to play the game. There are also instances that they have used soft-skinned balls. They could throw to toss the object at the target pylon from a targeted approved throwing line.
4. Roll the dice
It is also called dice and math game which provides various avenues for kids to practice several math skills at many levels. They just need to roll the dice and move. They could get started practicing with low number counting and later add action dice. Once activities like run, jump, clap, or stomp have been written on a wooden block, they could be rolled along with a pair of dice. The kids add or subtract (Based on whichever they prefer) and complete the actions with the right number of times they appear.
5. Whack a ball to subtract
This math activity will model subtraction by making use of building blocks. It could start with kids building their own whack a mole 10 frame with a shoebox and ping pong balls. They only have to whack the balls to practice their subtraction facts. They can get so much fun playing this math game. It creates awesome subtraction ideas for kids.
6. Plot graph scavenger hunt
Students who desire to enjoy math games can create a map of their school, playground, or anything else that they desire, through the use of graph paper. If the kids can’t do this, they could enlist the help of an adult or a teenager who is knowledgeable in such things. Once that is done, the students can plot points for their visit to find notes or small prizes. At the end of the day, they may start feeling like accomplished treasure hunters. It is another free math activity that kids can enjoy.
7. Make a splash with a water balloon
It is a simple game that’s designed to make the student wet. However, kids love all interesting math games. This one can be played with water balloons. First, find and label balloons numbered one to 20; or probably one to ten. Draw the numbers in a big circle on the open space, preferably on the playground. After that, a student can choose a balloon, find the matching number, and make a splash on it.
8. Sidewalk chalk clock game
This game is simple but enjoyable. Every child wants to tell the time, and this one can really help them. To begin the game, they can draw a giant clock face that has hours and minutes. It could be drawn on the ground with sidewalk chalk. Two students will be chosen to be the hour and the minute supervisors. They can call out a time and send the students out to be either the hour or the minute. These students are now the clock. Additionally, players can add more complicated elements by adding or subtracting from the initial time as well.
9. Frog jumps
Students can be encouraged to hop like frogs, leap like gazelles, or jump like a kangaroo. After that, they can get to know the distance they covered by using a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance that they covered. The game is also known as a leaping frog or jumper frog math game. This game helps students to test out their jumping skills, and every frog will know how far it can leap. The game can also be used to solve puzzles and find solutions for up to ten stages of the game.
10. Math fact practice
It could start with a grid that has answers to whatever set of math flashcards that you won’t enjoy playing the game with. You may use masking tape or sidewalk chalk on the playground. The game can be played by two players one on this side of the board, and the other on the other side of the board like a checkers game is played. The kids who are accustomed to this kind of game will be better able to prepare for higher-level concepts. Odd and even numbers can be used when playing this game. Generally, this game is regarded as one of the best math games available to young students.
11. Flashcard race
This flashcard game can be played on the floor. The students can learn how knowledgeable they are or how fast they can accomplish a task. The best student is able to make his or her to the finish in the fastest way. The game can be played in two ways:
- Players can call out the answers
- They can also write them down
They must be able to get the correct answers before they can move on. In this game, the children can race side by side or they can play the game independently, thereby striving to beat their former records.
12. Beach ball math
Beach balls used in gaming for kids can be an interesting means of having fun and keeping the kids involved. To play the game, players have to scribble numbers with a tool called Sharpie. Then it will be tossed to a student. Wherever their thumbs land, they either add or subtract or even try to multiply the numbers together before the ball is tossed to another student. In some cases, the catcher can also divide the numbers, if that is what is suitable. The student may have to say the equation so that the others in the game can hear it.
13. Dance number
In this game, like the Dance Dance Revolution, kids have a lot to enjoy and connect to math. They need to create a number mat for each student. Next, they need to flash an equation with an answer between 10 and 99 on a screen. The students will figure out the answer, and jump to put their left foot on the correct tens place, while the right foot can come on the ones. Since the game involves dancing, everyone can enjoy it as they go. Those that can dance and spin most are the ones who enjoy it most.
14. Dance Dance Transversal
This game is a connection between Dance Dance Revolution with the concept of two parallel lines cut by a transversal. This is an exciting PowerPoint game in which music plays as arrows show students dancing, and contemplating where to put their feet. Those who play the game must cross the tracks. That action completes a transversal. That’s a line that crosses other lines. It is a nice way to communicate mathematically. Students can clamor for more songs to use for the activity, and the variety can make the game more exciting.
15. Stacking cups
Kids love this game, and all of them available will want a chance at stacking cups on their own to impress their friends. This activity makes a great STEM activity for the students in a classroom but it can be carried out anywhere with little effort. Teachers also find that the stacking of cups is also great for nurturing motor skills while learning. Students can practice addition and subtraction to 10 with a vibrant math activity. To create the cups, students can use plastic materials and other labels bought from the local store nearby. It may cost some money but the fun outshines any cost associated with making the game a reality.
16. Tree height measurement
Tree height measurement outdoor math activity is also fun for kids who like to learn as they play. It involves measuring the approximate height of a tree without climbing it. The student doesn’t need a crane, hot air balloon, or drone to do this. Two students can be involved in this. All they need is:
- Measuring tree height printable
- Two people
- A pencil
- Measuring tool like a tape
- Outdoor space with trees
One of the kids will hold the pencil, and he will estimate the tree height, while the other one will stand near the tree to later pace the measurement. One will wait at the base of the tree while the other one walks away from the tree.
17. Shape Hunt
The game is also known as a kindergarten worksheet and math activity. It is filled with fun when done rightly. Students can find math meaningful when they engage in this activity. All they have to do is find shapes. If the students are not so accustomed to different shapes, they can start learning them now. It is also the best way for children to start discovering all the shapes that make up the planet earth where we live. The end goal is for students to get to know how important math is in our lives. Here is what students need to enjoy the Shape Hunt game:
- The game worksheet
- Markers and pencils
- Clipboards
- Play glasses
Try the game with different groups and check out the results that you could get.
18. Painted rocks
These are very colorful and can be prepared by the students themselves. The rocks could be painted with 19, 34, plus signs, and equal signs. It is one of the favorite math games among young children. To get started, let children hide the rocks around the playground and later send someone else off to find and answer equations. Even the young students can help in creating these painted rocks. It may cost something and at other times too we have seen groups that are able to create the rocks without spending money at all. If you do a painted emoji with clever text, your students will also find it very interesting as part of playing while learning.
19. Puddle Jump
This is a simple math game that you could introduce to students even if they have never played it before. Done rightly, they will find it so enjoyable due to the fact that it takes just about five minutes to prepare for it. Your kids will be able to practice math and get moving at it. Kids of all ages can enjoy it when adapted accordingly.
You may need the following:
- Blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Sharpie marker
Make the process simple so that the children can enjoy it. Start by cutting the puddle shapes from the blue paper. Write a number on each puddle. You may focus on numbers 11 to 20 or just pick your own unique numbers.
20. Putt-Putt
The game is simple to create. Just add the numbers 1, 2, and 3 to the cups and tape them inside a tissue box to keep them from moving. Then set up a simple track that the students can track. The kids may have to shoot for the highest or lowest number. In other stages, teachers add equations to the cups to make them more complex and entertaining.
Conclusion
It depends on what you make of it. Spend time to explore all these games if you must. Hopefully, you already know most of them. There is still more out there to learn but these ones here are better for the start.
