Kids' Math Games

Kids' math games are a great way to promote education and spend quality time with children. There are several ways to incorporate kids' math games throughout the day. The games can be played in the classroom or at home to reinforce essential math concepts and facts.

Candy subtraction is a kids' math game that uses a small snack to teach subtraction. First, grab a handful of candies (or crackers, raisins, etc.). Second, count the total number of candies. Then, take away a specific number of candies by eating them. Finally, count how many you have left. For example, grab five candies. Eat three. Two are leftover. 5 - 3 = 2.

Candy addition is a kids' math game that also uses a small snack to teach adding. First, grab a pinch of candy. Next, count the number of candies and put them off to the side on a napkin or plate. Then, grab another pinch of candy. Count the number of candies and put it off to the side. Put the candies together, count the total number, and enjoy! For example, 3 raisins plus 4 raisins equals 7 raisins.

Shape and Color Dance is a kids' math game that teaches colors and shapes. Use a different color of chalk to draw various shapes on the ground or on large pieces of paper to place on the floor. Tell the children to find and stand on a specific shape. Children who step on the correct shape will stay in the game while the others will sit down. For the next round, tell the children to find and stand on a specific color. Children who step on the correct color will stay in the game while the others sit down. The last person standing wins the game. Start with basic shapes, such as triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles. Then move to pentagons (5 sides), hexagons (6 sides), and octagons (8 sides), etc. if it appears that children have mastered the first set of shapes.

The best thing about bingo is that it is a kids' math game that can be used to teach almost any math skill. Design a board with several one inch squares. For example, put together four rows of four squares for a total of 16 squares. Using 16 index cards, you will make a question for each square. For example, if you want to teach money, your questions could be "I am worth 1 cent. I am worth 2 cents. I am the dollar sign, etc." After making the questions, place the answers on the board. For example, a picture of a penny in one square, a picture of two pennies on another square, the $ sign on a third square, etc. The game can also be played for multiplication facts. For example, the squares making up the board can contain numbers, such as 4, 25, 121. The index cards can contain questions, such as 2 X 2, 5 X 5, 11 X 11, etc. Once the board is completed, choose one card and read the question aloud. Players figure out the answer and then check their boards to see if they have the answer. You can use pennies to fill the boards. Older children can play until their boards are full, while younger children can play until they fill a line. The possibilities for Math Bingo are endless.

Macaroni Shapes and Numbers is a kids' math game that will help children draw different shapes and numbers. Using a marker, write or draw a number or shape on a piece of paper. Next, let the child trace the shape or number with glue and then place macaroni noodles over the glue to form the picture of the number or shape. However, if the focus is on the meaning of numbers as opposed to writing the actual number itself, children can instead place the correct number of shells by each number. For example, by the number 11, the child would glue 11 shells on the side of it.

Before beginning any kids' math game, make sure to teach the children the directions and model a couple of examples. After teaching the directions, have the children recite the directions back. Once they understand the directions, it is important to review any safety rules, such as glue does not belong in anyone's mouth (As funny as it might sound, it is very important not to assume these things are always known.) Children should always have adult supervision.

Kids' math games are a creative and fun way to teach math skills to children. They are great hands-on activities that can be used in a variety of settings. Kids' math games not only promote fun, but learning as well.

• Children Playing
• 10 Parenting Tips
• Halloween Trivia for Kids
• Bible Trivia for Kids
• Trivia Questions for Kids

• Disney Princess Coloring Pages
• Teen Birthday Party Ideas
• Pros and Cons of School Uniforms
• Children's Birthday Cake Ideas
• Kids' Hair Styles