1. Math games
Moore Public Schools

2. Why Use Games to teach math concepts?
The advantages of using games in a mathematical program have been summarized in an article by Davies (1995) who researched the literature available at the time.
Meaningful situations - for the application of mathematical skills are created by games
Motivation - children freely choose to participate and enjoy playing
Positive attitude - Games provide opportunities for building self-concept and developing positive attitudes towards mathematics, through reducing the fear of failure and error;
Increased learning - in comparison to more formal activities, greater learning can occur through games due to the increased interaction between children, opportunities to test intuitive ideas and problem solving strategies
Davies, B. (1995). The role of games in mathematics. Square One . Vol.5. No. 2

3. More about why games are great for teaching math concepts…
Different levels - Games can allow children to operate at different levels of thinking and to learn from each other. In a group of children playing a game, one child might be encountering a concept for the first time, another may be developing his/her understanding of the concept, a third consolidating previously learned concepts
Assessment - children's thinking often becomes apparent through the actions and decisions they make during a game, so the teacher has the opportunity to carry out diagnosis and assessment of learning in a non-threatening situation
Home and school - Games provide 'hands-on' interactive tasks for both school and home
Independence - Children can work independently of the teacher. The rules of the game and the children's motivation usually keep them on task.
Davies, B. (1995). The role of games in mathematics. Square One . Vol.5. No. 2

4. What are the guidelines for successful math games?
Make sure the game matches the mathematical objective
Use games for specific purposes, not just time-fillers
Keep the number of players from two to four, so that turns come around quickly
The game should have enough of an element of chance so that it allows weaker students to feel that they a chance of winning
Keep the game completion time short
Use five or six 'basic' game structures so the children become familiar with the rules - vary the mathematics rather than the rules
Send an established game home with a child for homework
Invite children to create their own board games or variations of known games.
Aldridge, S. & Badham, V. (1993). Beyond just a game. Pamphlet Number 21 . Primary Mathematics Association.

5. What are the guidelines for math games from the NCTM?
 Playing games encourages strategic mathematical thinking as students find different strategies for solving problems and deepen their understanding of numbers.
 When played repeatedly, games support students’ development of computational fluency.
 Games present opportunities for practice, often without the need for teachers to provide the problems. Teachers can then observe or assess students and work with individuals or small groups of students.
 Games have the potential to allow students to develop familiarity with the number system and with “benchmark numbers” (such as 10s, 100s, and 1000s) and engage in computation practice, building a deeper understanding of operations.
 Games support a school-to-home connection. Parents can learn about their children’s mathematical thinking by playing games with them at home.

6. More research that backs the use of games in the math classroom:
First, group games foster discussion among students. Using mathematical language is essential for developing reasoning skills and an understanding of concepts. Learning to listen actively to each other, play together and to cooperate are added benefits of increasing social interaction.
Games can also improve students’ self-esteem and confidence. The element of chance gives every player the opportunity to be a winner. Therefore, students know they can succeed if they have the skill or the ‘luck’.
Finally and most importantly, games can teach. Good games contribute to teaching and learning by providing the materials and ideas in which mathematical concepts and skills can be developed.
Check out the article listed below for more information on using games to teach math in the elementary classroom.

7. Resources for math games…
many good free printables to add games to your math centers or any center time. Don’t forget to print some blank and let your kids design their own games. They love doing this and you will be amazed at the ideas they generate!

8. Online games for math http://www.coolmath-games.com/

9. Online math games http://www.arcademics.com/

10. Printable math games
PreK & K
K & 1-2
PreK & K
PreK & K
K-2 boys will
PreK & K
K – 2
1-3
2-6
2-6
make your own optical illusions

11. Printable math games
2-6
2-6
exercise.pdf
1-3
2-4

12. Printables for math games
3-6
2-6
3-6
3-6
2-6
2-3
2-3
3-6
2-3
3-6

13. Printables for math Interactive white board stuff for math
3-6
printable game resources for free
all subjects
Interactive white board stuff for math

14. Game resources…
Preprinted cards -
Ready made game board -
Ready made game board-
Game boards you can make –
Resources to make your own games or let your students make their own math games – great for cooperative learning on a Friday

15. Math generators (worksheets)