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Good Math Games for Kids

Proficiency in math is essential for students to be successful in school and later in college and their career. Educators are always looking for creative ways to demonstrate mathematical concepts in addition to traditional classroom teaching methods. Games are effective ways to supplement daily instruction, and they provide a diversion from the normal routine, which is helpful for keeping students' attention.

Math Facts
- Math facts have to be memorized for easy recall when calculating sums or completing multiplication and division problems. Teachers should use games to practice math skills with their students. They can play "Around The World" using flash cards. The students stand in a line across the room or at their desks. The teacher displays a flash card with a problem, and the child gives the answer. Children can stand as long as they give correct answers. They have to sit down if they answer incorrectly. The last student standing is the winner.
Basic Operations
- Play a version of "Bingo." Teachers pass out game cards with numbers that are the answers to problems. Teachers then call out a problem, such as "10+15." Using manipulatives can help young kids, for example, buttons or pennies, to calculate the answer. Then they check their card for the answer. The first person to fill in the card calls "Bingo." This game can be modified by allowing older students to use calculators and setting a timer to build speed when checking answers on homework assignments.
Computer-Based
- The Internet has many online math games that help children practice skills at several ability levels. They can practice math facts with interactive flash card games at MathPlayground.com. SoftSchools.com has games for basic skills as well as more advanced ones, such as fractions and geometry. An example of a good math game is called The Missing Number. Students or teachers can choose the parameters, such as how many problems to be played and the numbers that will be played, such as 0 to 20 or just 1 to 10. Children type in the missing number as each problem is displayed. The game keeps score for each child.

Kids Games