Math Game Ideas

Play Monopoly Junior. If your computer has Microsoft Word, this site: http://208.183.128.3/tutorials/gameboard.htm has game boards you can print and play (just scroll down to the Math Games section). It also has templates you can use to print your own games. You can always do easy grocery cart math – add the items in the cart.

Fishing: Put the number facts on cards shaped like fish. (or for easier, quicker making, these can simply be slips of paper in rectangle shape). Attach a paper clip to each “fish.” Use a stick with string and magnet attached (for the “hook”). Catch a fish. If the child gives the correct response, keep it. If incorrect, throw it back into the “pond” (a pile of the cards on the floor).

Addition War: Can use a standard deck of cards with face cards removed, or make your own set with just numbers on them. Divide the cards between the two players. Each player shuffles his cards, and places them face down in a draw pile in front of him. Each player turns over TWO cards and adds them. The one with the highest total takes all four cards.

Subtraction War: Same game as above, but the players subtract their two cards, and the player with the lowest difference wins. (Zero would be the best score).

Speed Addition: Same game as above except each player turns over ONE card. The first player to shout the total of the two cards, wins them. (Adults silently count to 5 before answering. When the child is winning most of the time, count to 3, then short hesitation, and then play to beat them….then they have mastered these!).

You might also find an idea here: http://www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com/math.html