Fun Educational Math Games for Kids [At Home & Classroom]

Mathematics is an essential subject that plays a crucial role in every child’s educational development. To make learning math engaging and enjoyable, parents can stimulate young minds with educational math games.

In this article, we will explore a variety of exciting educational math games for kids that can be played both at home and in the classroom. These games will not only enhance math skills but also promote logical reasoning, counting, calculation, and number recognition. But most importantly, they make learning more fun!

Math Game 1: Nim – Counting

We start off this list with a classic. Nim has its first written reference dating back to 16th-century Europe, with roots starting in ancient China.

• Equipment: Nim requires a set of objects (such as matchsticks, stones, or counters) arranged in distinct piles.
• How to Play: Two or more players take turns removing objects from one or more piles. The player who takes the last object wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 6 and above.
• Purpose: The game promotes counting and strategic planning while engaging children in a fun and competitive environment.

Math Game 2: “Fill in …!” – Logical Reasoning

This is a game motif that young children and even adults have loved for many decades. Children can fill in the blanks or shapes with various topics to build questions upon.

• Equipment: This game can be played by mouth, or using papers and pens.
• How to Play: Players take turns filling in the missing numbers or symbols, using logical reasoning to deduce the correct sequence. The player who answers correctly wins a point.
• Suitable for: Children aged 5 and above.
• Purpose: This well-beloved game aims to enhance logical thinking and reinforce number sequencing skills in children.

Math Game 3: Snake with Numbers – Counting

This is a great game to teach children about basic cardinal numbers.

• Equipment: A snake drawing for each player with numbers going along the length of the snakes, and a pair of dice.
• How to Play: A minimum of two players roll their dice for a total number. Then, they cross that number on their snake. If you already have a number, you skip that turn. The first player to cross all the numbers win.
• Suitable for: Children aged 4 and above.
• Purpose: This game concept enhances counting skills, as well as summation and logical reasoning.

Math Game 4: Snakes and Ladders – Counting and Remembering Numbers up to 100

A more interesting and well-known play to the basic Snake Numbers above that allows more people can join in the fun.

• Equipment: Snakes and Ladders require a game board with numbered squares and a set of dice.
• How to Play: Two to four players roll the dice and move their game pieces along the numbered squares, counting the steps. They climb ladders to advance and encounter snakes that send them down. The first player to reach the final court wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 5 and above.
• Purpose: The game reinforces number recognition, and counting, and introduces the concept of chance and probability.

Math Game 5: Math Matching – Remembering Basic Math Calculations

The simple idea of matching games can also be incorporated with mathematics, creating a fun and interactive game for children.

• Equipment: A set of cards with math equations and their corresponding answers.
• How to Play: Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to match an equation with its correct answer. The player with the most matches at the end wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 7 and above.
• Purpose: Parents can use this game to help their children improve their memory skills and reinforce their understanding of basic math operations.

Math Game 6: Broken Calculator – Logical Thinking

Among wonderful educational math games for kids, this is an interesting idea that combines “fill in…” and “matching” game concepts together.

• Equipment: Similar to “fill in…” games, this game can also be played by mouth. To make the game more advanced, a set of number cards and a calculator with missing digits are required.
• How to Play: Players use the number cards to replace the missing digits on the calculator, trying to create valid math equations. The player who fixes the most equations wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 8 and above.
• Purpose: Broken Calculator challenges children who are developing logical thinking skills and familiarity with mathematical operations. Help children think critically and logically, fostering problem-solving skills.

Math Game 7: Odd and Even with Cards – Number Remembering

The next three games are based on the timeless decks of playing cards, starting with the easiest-to-play concept out of the trio.

• Equipment: A deck of playing cards, or any type of cards with numbers on them.
• How to Play: Players take turns drawing cards and sorting them into odd and even piles based on their face values. The player with the most correctly sorted cards wins the game.
• Suitable for: Toddlers aged 6 and above.
• Purpose: The game can reinforce number recognition and help children distinguish between odd and even numbers.

Math Game 8: Calculations with Cards – Calculation Learning

The next card game takes a step further, enhancing children’s skills in math calculations.

• Equipment: A deck of playing cards, and, optionally, a calculator.
• How to Play: Players draw two or more cards and use them to create math equations, aiming to reach a specific target number. The player who successfully reaches the target number wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 9 and above.
• Purpose: This game concept enhances calculation abilities and promotes strategic thinking in solving math problems for young minds.

Math Game 9: Higher or Lower – Number Confidence Development

The last card game on this list adds luck to its concept, making the result more unpredictable.

• Equipment: A deck of playing cards.
• How to Play: Players draw a card and guess whether the next card drawn will be higher or lower in value. If their guess is correct, they continue playing. The player with the most correct guesses wins the game.
• Suitable for: Higher or Lower is suitable for children aged 7 and above.
• Purpose: The game reinforces number recognition and estimation skills while building confidence in making predictions in children that are developing number sense.

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Math Game 10: Dice Games – Calculation Skills

The next two games are based on another ageless game item – dice, starting with one that improves children’s calculation skills.

• Equipment: A minimum of one dice.
• How to Play: Various dice games can be played to develop calculation skills. Examples include adding the numbers rolled, finding the difference between two dice, or multiplying the numbers obtained. The specific rules depend on the chosen game, making the possibilities endless.
• Suitable for: This game can be adapted for children of different ages, ranging from basic counting for young children to more complex calculations for older ones.
• Purpose: Dice Games is a simple game that helps improve calculation skills, mental math abilities, and strategic thinking for many younglings.

Math Game 11: Math Board Games (Fraction Bingo, Money Bags,…)

This concept makes the most fun out of educational math games for kids, as many fun game ideas can be used to maximize the total of challenges. Parents can easily have fun choosing and playing a board game with their children while teaching them more about mathematics at the same time.

• Equipment: Math Board Games typically come with their own game boards, cards, and playing pieces. The choice is up to what type of board game parents and children inclines to.
• How to Play: Each Math Board Game has its own set of rules and objectives, designed to reinforce specific math concepts such as fractions, money, or geometry. Players engage in gameplay while applying math knowledge and skills.
• Suitable for: Math Board Games cater to children of various ages and grade levels, with different games targeting specific math topics.
• Purpose: Math Board Games provide a fun and interactive way to deepen understanding and proficiency in specific math areas for both parents and children.

Math Game 12: Shape Hunt – Recognition Skills

As the last game on the list, Shape Hunt can be played anywhere as it utilizes the shapes of many things around the child’s living environment to create an interactive yet entertaining concept.

• Equipment: Shape Hunt can be played using objects in the environment or flashcards with different shapes.
• How to Play: Players search for objects or flashcards representing specific shapes in their surroundings or within a designated area. The player who finds the most shapes wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children from a very young age of 3.
• Purpose: This easy-to-play game enhances shape recognition skills and spatial awareness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, educational math games are a fun and effective way to enhance your child’s math skills. Whether at home or in the classroom, these interactive games improve problem-solving abilities. For a top-notch education emphasizing academic excellence and personal growth, consider UNIS Hanoi—an international school with an acclaimed IB programme. Give your child a head start at UNIS Hanoi.

Reference source:

• Teresa Lara-Meloy, Jennifer Knudsen, Megan Cox, Kerry Friedman. (2019). Community Math Night Facilitator Guide. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/appalachia/events/materials/4_10_19_MathNights-REL-AP_FacilitatorsGuide_508.pdf
• Kathleen Morris. 20 Maths Games 5-8 year olds. Retrieved from Australian School Library Association: https://asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/Resources/Resource%20Library/20%20Maths%20Games%205%20to%208%20year%20olds%20Kathleen%20Morris.pdf