How to Make Math Fun Through Inexpensive Games

Math Bingo

• 1

  Play math bingo with your child. Draw a Bingo board on a plain sheet of paper. Write numbers from one to 10 randomly in each column. Prepare simple math problems for each letter in the word "BINGO" with an answer, numbered between one and 10.

• 2

  Cut colored squares from construction paper to serve as markers for the cards. Mix up the cards and read the letter and the math problem, such as "O, 6 + 4." If the child answers the problem correctly and has the number 10 in the "O" column, he places a marker over the square on the Bingo card.

• 3

  Play until the child covers squares in a straight line, horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Place a "free" space in the center of the Bingo card. Offer a prize, such as a small toy or an extra 15 minutes of play time as an incentive.

Countdown

• 4

  Collect 40 pennies. Give half of the pennies to the child and you keep the other half. Have your child help you count the pennies.

• 5

  Take turns rolling the dice. Say the numbers on the dice, then add the numbers on the dice together. Remove the number of pennies from your stack of pennies that corresponds to the sum of the numbers on the dice, if the player answers correctly. Give a penny to the player who gets the answer wrong.

• 6

  Continue playing until one player has removed all of her pennies. The first player to have zero pennies in his stack wins the game. Allow the child to put the pennies in his penny bank as an incentive.

Math Match

• 7

  Write one math problem on an index card and write the answer on another index card. Write a total of eight problems and eight answers. Choose problems appropriate to the age and skill of the child playing the game. Write the equation, but leave the answer blank, such as "4 - 2 = ___" and write the answer on the matching index card, such as "2."

• 8

  Mix up the cards, then arrange the index cards in a square, four across and four down. Place the cards on a table with the problems facing down. Turn over one card and solve the problem. Turn over another card to find the matching answer.

• 9

  Turn the cards back over, face-down on the table, if the answer card does not match the equation card. Turn over a second card and solve the equation; find the answer card. Leave the matching equation card and answer card face-up on the table. The game ends when all equations are matched with the answer card.