Mastering the basics of addition, subtraction, and multiplication is so important because many other math concepts are built on these skills. They come naturally to some kids but many others need extra practice to become fluent. Fun and easy elementary math activities will help all kids strengthen these necessary math skills.
Why These Skills Are Important
Having strong basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills is important because they are needed to execute higher level math skills such as multi-digit addition and subtraction, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, inequalities, algebra, geometry, and calculus.
I believe learning should be fun! Using games to practice basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication keeps kids more engaged, helps them retain what they learn, and makes practicing enjoyable. Here are some games that can help kids practice math fact fluency while having fun:
Math Games
- Math War – To play this game you’ll need a deck of playing cards. Before the game decide if you’re going to practice addition, subtraction, or multiplication. Remove the face cards, shuffle, and divide the deck in half. Each player keeps their stack of cards face down. At the same time, each player draws the top card from their stack and lays it in the middle of the table. The first person to correctly say the answer from adding, subtracting, or multiplying the two numbers together gets the point and keeps the pair. (Ex: Player A turns over a 3, Player B turns over a 5. If practicing addition it would be 3+5=8, or 5+3=8. Subtraction would be 5-3=2, multiplication would be 3 x 5=15, or 5 x 3=15.) The player with the most pairs at the end wins.
- Math Dice – This game is played similar to Math War, but with dice instead of cards. Each player rolls a die and the first person to correctly add, subtract, or multiply them wins the point. A score sheet will need to be kept if you want to declare a winner. These oversized dice or these colorful dice can make the game more engaging. To practice higher numbers try these dice that go up to 10.
- Addition & Subtraction Checkers – This is a fun way to practice addition and subtraction as well as strengthening logic skills. You can print your checkers boards here and if you have checkers pieces you can use those, counters, different colored beads or buttons, or cut up different colored construction paper to use as your pieces. Each player will have to say the answer to the addition or subtraction sentence before he / she can move their game piece to that space.
- Addition Go Fish – This is played like traditional Go Fish but with addition facts. Instead of asking for a character, number, or other item to match, you ask for an answer to an addition sentence that you have in your hand. (Ex: Player A is holding a card with 3+4 so they would ask Player B, “Do you have a 7?”) The player with the most pairs at the end wins. You can get the free printable here. You’ll want to print on card stock to make them more durable.
- Subtraction Memory – To play this game you’ll need this free printable and card stock. Card stock will help the cards be more sturdy and will keep the images from being so easily seen through the cards (no cheating!). There are too many cards to play with all of them in one game. I would choose 2 or 3 fact families to focus on or 1 or 2 facts from each family to review. Instead of matching identical images like the traditional game you’ll match the subtraction sentence to its answer and 10 frame. (Ex: I turned over 8-5 so I will need to turn over 3 with the ten frame that shows 8 counters with 5 counters colored out and 3 counters left to get a match). You also might want to laminate the cards so they’ll last longer. I have this laminator and it’s always worked well for me. Make sure to get laminating pouches too.
I’ve used all of these games when tutoring students and they always enjoy playing them. It’s always been my goal to make learning fun and exciting. When kids are having fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning at the same time. It breaks my heart to hear kids say that they hate school. These games are a great way to grow kids’ knowledge which gives them greater confidence and that confidence helps them love learning!
To Finish Up
These games are all fun ways to help your child practice math fact fluency in addition, subtraction, and multiplication. If you’re really competitive or want to increase the excitement level you could have prizes for the winner. Kids are often motivated by candy! This is a good mix of chocolate and fruity candy and they are all small enough to not be too much sugar. If your child has allergies and/or you prefer to be healthier, these shaped erasers will be great. They don’t erase much but kids LOVE these!
I hope you enjoy these ideas and resources!
I would love to hear your questions and comments so please leave them below. Please share this post with your friends! Until next time…I’m praying for you, please pray for me!