FUN & Easy Math Games for Kids
Looking for fun, engaging and low-prep math games that your kids will LOVE? I’ve got you covered with this growing list of easy math games for kids!
Want a set of 15 games you can adapt and play with your students immediately? Request my free ebook: 15 Fun & Easy Math Games for Grades K-8, and get started playing with math right away!
These games use simple materials that you likely already have on hand, such as a deck of cards, dice and some game pieces.
Simply fill out the form below and it will be sent to your inbox instantly.
Why Teach Math with Games?
When kids are given the opportunity to learn math through playing and exploring, not only will they have more fun, but they will be able to retain more of what they learn.
Math games can get kids who are normally disinterested in math a chance to engage and build their confidence. When kids are playing a game, they have opportunities to use critical thinking skills as they make decisions, see and use math vocabulary, plus practice important math skills.
In addition, teaching with math games can help kids form connections to different areas of math. When you provide games that are visual or hands on and incorporate several different math skills, kids have an opportunity to make those important connections in their brain.
Lastly, (but certainly not last!), math games are a way to show kids that math can be FUN. It’s a chance for kids to get competitive and play with numbers. When kids are having fun and playing a game, they often don’t even realize they are learning and cementing those important math skills in their brain!
How to Incorporate Easy Math Games in the Classroom
If you feel short on time and don’t know how to provide more opportunities to learn math through play, here are some ideas for you:
- Set up a math center that includes a rotating selection of easy and low-prep math games. You could even set up a few file folders or work boxes with game materials prepped and organized so that kids can choose a game for themselves during center time.
- Provide independent games for early finishers. This could be things like logic puzzles, matching puzzles or cut & paste activities that are available for students to grab when they have finished other work.
- Encourage family math game nights. Send home a list of your favorite math board games and card games at the beginning of the school year and assign “game night” as homework on occasion. A set of playing cards is usually available at the dollar store as an easy Christmas gift for students and their families.
- Have regular review game days. If you have ‘review days’ built into your calendar, you are more likely to stick to those times of intentional math skills review, whether this is before a big test or not. But making sure the review work is in the form of a game, you’re sure to engage more of your students!
How to Find “Just Right” Math Games for Your Students:
Although I probably don’t have a simple and fun math game for every single skill at every single grade level, I do have a huge variety of FREE GAMES for you to choose from!
Use the grid below to read more about each game. You can then find all the downloads available for free in my shop.
I hope you find some fun & easy math games for kids that you can use again and again in your home or classroom!
