5 Fun Math Games To Play In Math Class | Prodigy Blog
Teaching mathematical concepts in class has always been a challenging task for teachers. Whether it is understanding algebraic equations or basic geometry, students find traditional methods of teaching in class difficult to grasp.
A simple solution is to switch to modern methods of teaching that helps students understand mathematical concepts in an engaging and creative way. These teaching strategies also give way to visual learning, a technique that is highly proven for students!
One of the most popular methods is through the use of math games. Because children enjoy online games, it becomes very easy for them to concentrate on the lesson when it is in the form of a math game. Therefore, when teachers incorporate fun games into classroom activities to teach math, Everybody Wins!
There are many fun math games you can find, but here are some shortlisted games and activities that have been proven to be a success in class:
Math Bingo is an interesting twist to the original game. You can start by creating bingo cards for your students that are answers to different multiplication tables. After handing out the cards to your students, start the game by calling out numbers. But the trick here is to call out the equation instead of the product. For ex: Call out the equation 4×8 instead of the product, which is 32. This way, the students will have to determine the product each time through multiplication and then check if the number is on the card.
Ask your students to keep a rough sheet handy for solving the equations while playing the game.
This game is well suited for classes 3 to 6.
This is another fun and engaging math activity aimed at improving student’s mental math. This game requires two teams- so first, divide your class into two teams and come up with a set of math questions for each team. To start the game, call both the team captains and toss a coin to determine which team bats first.
Once the teams are ready, the pitching team then ‘pitches’ their math problems at the batting team. Teams can also choose questions based on difficulty levels and points. If the answer is correct, that student gets to place a check on the first base. If he/she is incorrect then that student is out. Each team gets three outs. When the team has three outs the other team is up to bat. This continues until a team wins.
This game is best suited for ages 2 to 8.
Fun fact: You can also substitute ‘baseball’ rules for any other game like ‘soccer’ or ‘cricket’ that your students will understand and this activity will still work.
‘101 and Out’ is a quick math game to polish your students’ addition skills. This game is mainly for students from grades 2- 5 and requires a sheet of paper, pencil, and dice.
Divide your students into groups and ask them to take turns rolling the dice. The objective is to get as close as possible to ‘101’ without going over or ‘out’.
As the students roll the dice, they can either take the number on the dice as a one or a ten. For ex: if a student rolls a 5, they could take it as a 5 or a 50. Students need to keep a record of their total as they play.
This is a fun way to improve your students’ mental maths because while playing the game, the students start to form strategies from the beginning on what number to roll next in order to win the game.
Mixing maths with physical activity can be quite fun! Hopscotch math is a great game for grades 1- 4 to solve simple addition and subtraction problems while playing.
Before you start the game, you will need a chalk to draw and number hopscotch that resembles a calculator on the pavement. (as shown in the picture above)
To start the game, bring your first player to toss a stone on the number one spot. He then hops on an equation that is equal to the number 1. For ex: he has to jump on the squares (1 + 0) or (3–2) that is equal to 1.
Players must use one-footed hops when landing on odd numbers and zeros, and two-footed hops for even numbers and symbols. A player’s turn continues until they make a mistake, such as stepping on a line or hopping on an incorrect equation.
The winner is the first person to work through all the numbers to nine.
Another fun way to teach math in the classroom is through Prodigy. Unlike other classroom activities, Prodigy is an online math game for grades 1–8 that helps in teaching the fundamentals of mathematics in a simple and easy way. Through engaging puzzles and challenges, Prodigy covers all the topics required in school.
Teachers use Prodigy, not just for classroom activities but also as part of the syllabus because Prodigy is curriculum-aligned to CBSE and ICSE boards that provide effective math learning for students through an adaptive game-based system.
Since Prodigy can also be used by teachers to get an in-depth analysis of students’ progress based on customized tests, personalized learning paths, and comprehensive reporting, Prodigy really supports teachers in class while also engaging young learners to master complex math skills.
Students love playing games whether it is an online or a classroom game. But these math games not only engage students during class but are also specially built to develop your students’ overall math skills. You should try and incorporate these games in your class to create a balanced lesson plan for the year.
If you want to introduce Prodigy in your school, refer your school administrator or principal today.
