Fun math games to play in the classroom


5 Math Games Every Classroom Needs to Play

Guest post by Leigh Langton

Hey guys! It’s Leigh from The Applicious Teacher! I am super excited to be blogging at Corkboard Connections today. I’m sharing a practice that I use to help increase my students’ engagement and number sense during my math block.

Do you play games in your classroom? Wait… what?! No time? Well… you should make time! Especially during your math time. To me, math and games go together like Nutella and pretzels. Delicious separate, but amazing together.

As a third grade teacher, I know how limited our time can be, so I am here to share with you 5 math games you should take the time to play this year!  All of these games are fun, easy, and require little to no prep. They are math games that I’ve played for years with my second graders. When I moved up to third, I was able to easily modify these games for my new “big kids”.

First up… 100’s Game

This game can be played in a k-5 classroom. It is perfect for building number sense and it’s only prerequisite is that students can count. There’s no supplies needed to play and my kids loved playing this as a “brain-break” before math.

Here’s how to play…

Have your class stand in a circle. Moving in a clockwise direction, have the students count out loud until they get to a hundred. The person who says, “100” sits down. The last person standing, WINS!

The idea is simple, but can be modified for your students. In second grade we’d count by 5’s,10’s, and 25’s (to help with money later on in the year). For third, we count the multiples of numbers. For numbers that don’t have a multiple of 100, I choose the last number in the sequence of 12 as the “end number.”

Other Variations 

Students sit down on a certain multiples (like the multiples of 7) Students don’t say the multiple. Students can count by ones to a hundred, but all the multiples of say, 4, are “off limits.” If a student says them, they sit down. You could also change it to student don’t say the divisors (perfect for those 4th/5th graders who need more practice with their facts!)

 

101 and Out…

 

 

This paper and pencil game works well in second to fifth grade classrooms and can be played by teams of students (like boys against girls) or in pairs. To play you will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and one dice. The object of the game is to score as close to 101 without going over or “out.”

To play, students take turns rolling the dice. As they roll, they can either take the number as a one or a ten. For example, if a student rolls a 5, they could take it as a 5 or a 50.  Students keep a running record of their total as they play.

I love how the kids start to form a strategy for what numbers they want to roll next. It’s a great way to build mental math strategies. To introduce this game, I usually play it as, “The Teacher vs. The Class”. This allows time for modeling while keeping the kids in on the action. What class doesn’t love beating the teacher? They always want to play again if I win the round.

This game works best in longer stretches, so multiple rounds can be played. I usually like to use it at the beginning of the year as a class game before math centers. It then becomes an easy and fun game for the kiddos to play during math centers.

Back 2 Back

 

 

Seriously, hands down, my class’ favorite game to play! This game is perfect for inside recess as the whole class can play at once and everyone is excited for the game.

This game requires some “brain sweat”, so it works well for grades 2-5. There are two different versions of this game. Supplies needed are minimal:  a writing surface, writing utensils, and someone who is quick with their math facts for a “caller.”

The object of the game is to guess the other player’s number before they guess yours. To play, two students come up to the board and stand back to back (hence the name).  This allows for the students to write on the board, but blocks their view of the other person’s number.

The “Caller” states, “Numbers Up”. This signals the two students write a number of their choice on the board. I usually play with numbers 2-9 to keep kiddos from dwelling in the 0’s and 1’s easy train, but you can play with numbers as high or as low as needed for your group of kids.

The caller then states the sum (for younger students) or product (3rd-5th) of the two numbers.  The students use their understanding of math facts to figure out what they other person’s number is when added or multiplied by their number. The first player to say the other person’s number wins the round. The “loser” gets to choose the next person to come to the board.

Please be warned… this game can get a little rowdy as students win and lose rounds and somehow the teacher always gets pulled up to “clear out” a player who’s been up a little too long… But it’s a lot of fun and well worth the 10-20 minutes! Beats the repetitious practice drills of flashcards!

Guess My Number

This next game is very versatile and can be modified in so many ways! It can be played in kindergarten all the way through 5th grade classrooms. To play, you need a number chart and a dry erase marker. This game can be played whole group, in pairs or in small groups of 3-4.

To begin, one student chooses a number. The other players try to guess the number by asking a series of questions. The student crosses off numbers it can’t be and circles numbers it could. The person who guesses the right number, wins and gets to choose the next number.

The best part of this game is that it can be played with laminated personal hundreds charts in small groups.

 

It can also be played as a whole group game using  a large chart.

 

For third grade, I encourage the use of question clues like “Is it a multiple of 5? Or greater than 70?” To introduce the game, I usually model crossing out numbers as students ask questions about the numbers and help link the clues to finding the right number.

For a kindergarten or first grade classroom, you may want to play with a number line with numbers 1-20.  Then, students could ask if the number is bigger or smaller than numbers within that range.  A 4th or 5th grade classroom can beef up the game with question clues like, “Is it divisible by 3?” or “Is it a multiple of 5?” The possibilities are endless! Time range to play can be from 5 minutes to 20 minutes and can be used as an inside recess game or a quick brain break before or after a lesson.

Math Fact Top It!

 

 

This last game works well in 1st through 5th grade classrooms and is best played in groups of 2-4 students. All that is needed to play are math fact flash cards. You can use addition, subtraction, multiplication or division cards. It just depends on where your students are in their math skills. I like to think of this game as “War for the classroom,” as the rules for the traditional card game apply to this math fact version.

To play, students divide the flash cards evenly among all players. Then, on the count of three, all students throw down a card. The card with the highest sum or product wins all the cards in play. This can be modified to lowest difference or quotient. If students have the same answer, then they play each other again, with the winner capturing all the cards in play. Students play until all the cards are won. The student depending on the flashcards you are using. with the most cards at the end wins. I find this game works best in math centers and is an easy way for students to practice their math facts in a new and unique way!

Download Freebie with Game Directions 
So go forth and play! Get your students engaged and learning in the new year! If you’re not sure you’ll remember all these games I shared today, I’ve compiled all the directions in one file for you. It’s available here at my TpT store!

Leigh is a wife, mother, and a second-grade- turned-third-grade teacher. She currently resides in Central Florida where she has been teaching for 7 years. When Leigh isn’t teaching or writing for her teacher blog, The Applicious Teacher, she enjoys snuggling up with a good book, running a few miles, or spending time with her family.

21 Best Classroom Math Games to Boost Your Students' Math Skills

Parents and teachers are always looking for new and innovative ways to help kids learn math. It can be challenging to keep things exciting and engaging, especially when teaching complex concepts like multiplication and division. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are twenty-one of the best classroom math games for kids. 

These games are not only super fun to play but will also help students learn and practice essential math skills. So without further ado, let’s get started!

11 Amazing Math Games to Play in the Classroom

Who says learning has to be boring? These math games are the perfect way to engage your students and get them excited about learning.

1. Online Math Games

With the advancement of technology, there are now several online math games that students can play on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. These games provide a fun and interactive way for students to learn math. The following are some of the best platforms for online math games:

SplashLearn: A comprehensive math learning program for Pre-K to Grade 5 that includes over 700 interactive games.

Math playground: This website has various classroom math games for all grade levels.

Hooda Math: A website with a wide selection of math games categorized by topic and grade level.

2. Round Robin Benefit

This math game can be played with a large group of students. It is an excellent way to review material that has already been taught.

How to play:

One student starts by saying any math fact they know (for example, 2 + 2 = 4). The student next to them then says another math fact. This continues around the circle until the first person can’t think of a fact, at which point they are out. The last person standing is the winner!

Age range: 8–10 years 

Grades: 3–5

3. Fraction Action

This is one of the most effective math games for classroom participation! Not only does it help them understand fractions, but they also get to move around and have fun while doing it. The game’s objective is to be the first person to collect all the fraction cards. 

How to play:

Players must answer questions correctly about fractions and collect fraction cards. The person with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner!

Age range: 8–10 years 

Grade: 3–5

4. Around the Block

You only need one ball for this game, but you can have multiple students playing simultaneously. 

How to play:

Students will stand in a circle, and someone will start by rolling the ball to another student in the circle. The student who catches the ball must then identify which math operation they will use to solve the problem posed by the person who rolled the ball.

The answer should be called out, and then the student will roll the ball to another player. If the answer is correct, the player gets to keep rolling the ball. If the answer is incorrect, that player is out of the game. Continue until there’s only one person left standing.

Age range: 8–10 years 

Grade: 3– 5

Related Reading: Best Virtual Games for Classroom Fun & Learning

5. 101 and Out

Also Watch:

How to play:

Give your students some paper and pencils. Each game can be played by two players (or the entire class can also be divided into two teams). Draw a line right down the middle of a piece of paper. The left side is where player 1 will record their score and on the right side, player 2 will add their score. Both the players take turns rolling a die. Whatever number they roll, they can decide whether they want it to remain a one-digit number or whether they want to bump it up to a tens place. For example, if they roll a 4, they can either just write 4 on their side of the page or write 40. The goal is to be the first person to reach 101.

Age range: 5​​–7 years 

Grade: K–2

6. The Counting Game

This fun classroom math game is perfect for helping kids learn to count. All you need is a die and something for each player to keep track of their score (a whiteboard or piece of paper will work fine).

How to play:

Students take turns rolling the die. They then have to count the many objects from a pile in front of them. For instance, if they roll a four and there are ten objects in a pile, they need to count out four objects and put each in front of them. The player with the most objects at the end of the game is the winner!

Age range: 5–7 years 

Grade: K–2

7. Odds and Evens

Odds and Evens is a classic math game that you can play with any number of players. All you need is a piece of paper and a pencil for each player. 

How to play:

Each player draws a line down the middle of their paper to create two columns. The left-hand column is for odds, and the right-hand column is for evens.

Players take turns rolling a die. Whatever number they roll, they must put that many dots in the corresponding column. The first player to reach 10 points in either column wins the game!

Age range: 5–7 years 

Grade: K–2

8. Twenty-One

This classroom math game is played with a regular deck of cards. All you need to do is remove the face cards and aces, then shuffle the deck.  

How to play:

Each student will need a whiteboard and marker. Deal out two cards to each player face down. One at a time, each student will turn over their top card and reveal the number to the class.

The goal is to get as close to the number “21” as possible without going over. Players can either choose to stop and keep their current score, or they can risk going over 21 by adding the value of their next card.

If a player goes over 21, they are out for that round. The last player standing is the winner.

Variation: You can also play this game with three cards instead of two.

Age range: 8–10 years 

Grade: 3–5

9. Sequence Benefit

Without having to use the conventional pencil-and-paper framework, sequence benefit allows students to practice an aim.

How to play:

To illustrate the various phases in solving a problem, make index cards in preparation. To fix the problem, create as many cards as necessary and paper clip them together. The first card must have the problem, while the other cards must show the steps to solve it. After that, give one card to every student in the classroom.

The objective of the game is for students to put their cards in order so that they can see the problem and its solution. As soon as they’re finished, they should stand up and hold their cards for you to check.

When you go around the classroom and verify that everyone has put their cards in the correct order, have a discussion about the various steps involved in solving the problem.

What students will learn:

This classroom math game will help students learn how to solve problems by breaking them down into smaller steps.

Age range: 10–14 years 

Grade: 6–8

10. Buzz

This math game is played with a group of at least four people. 

How to play:

Players sit in a circle and take turns counting up from 1. However, whenever the number 7 or a multiple of 7 is said, the player whose turn it is must say “buzz”.

If a player forgets to say “buzz” or says the wrong number, they are out! The game continues until there is only one player remaining.

What students will learn: Multiplication, addition, basic counting skills

Age range: 5+ years

Grades: Kindergarten and above

11. One-Yard Dash

This math classroom game for kids is a great way to review basic math skills with your students. The objective of the game is to be the first person to reach one yard. 

How to play:

Students should be divided into small teams and given measuring tapes to play.

Then they search the space for two to four items that, when added together, measure one yard in length. The groups will then measure the objects and note how accurate their estimates are.

Need a greater challenge? Instead of using a yard, give them a centimeter and instruct them to convert the results to micrometers, millimeters, and other units.

What students will learn:

These types of math classroom games for kids help students review their knowledge of measurement and estimation.

Age range: 10–14 years 

Grade: 3–7

10 Fun Math Games to Play in the Classroom

Make math enjoyable with these fun math classroom games! These math games and activities for kids are perfect for math centers, small groups, and even the whole class. They are also great for math review or math intervention. Your students will beg to play these classroom math games!

12. Create a Long Number Line on the Ground

This is a great activity for teaching addition, subtraction, and place value. You will need chalk to make your number line. 

How to play:

Start by writing the numbers 1–20 (or higher) on the ground. Create a starting point and an ending point with two different colors. Then have students stand at the starting point. Call out a math problem and have students solve it and move to the correct answer on the number line. For example, “If I start at seven and subtract 3, where will I end up?” From the starting point (7), students would move three spaces to the left and land on 4.

This game can also be played with a partner. Students stand on opposite ends of the number line. One player calls out a math problem, and the other player solves it and then moves to the correct answer. The first team to reach the endpoint is the winner!

What students will learn: Addition, subtraction, place value

Age range: 5-7 years 

Grade: K-2

13. Graph Scavenger Hunt

To make graphs more exciting for your students, try a graph scavenger hunt! 

How to play:

You will need to create a graph with different items to be found around the classroom or school (pictures work great for this). For example, you could use a bar graph and have students find things that are red, blue, green, etc. Or you could use a picture graph and have students find things that are small, big, have four legs, etc.

Once the graph is created, students will walk around and find things that match the items on the graph. They will then color in or mark the graph to show what they found. When they are finished, they can share their findings with the class.

Age range: 5-7 years

Grade: K-2

14. Whack-a-Ball and Subtract

This is a variation of the classic game “Whack-a-Mole.” You will need a whiteboard, a whiteboard marker, and a softball or other small ball. To set up the game, draw a grid on the whiteboard with ten columns and ten rows. Label each column with a number from 1 to 10. In the first row of each column, write the corresponding number minus 1. So, in the first column, write “1 – 1”; in the second column, write “2 – 1”; and so on.

How to play:

One student throws the ball at the board while another student calls out a number from 1 to 10. The student who threw the ball then tries to hit the number that was called out. If they hit the number, they erase it and write the new number in its place (the number minus 1). If they miss, the other student gets the point. The game is over when all the numbers are erased from the board.

What will students learn: Subtraction, number recognition

Age Range: 5–7 years

Grade: K-2

15. Number Dance

This is a fun way to get your students moving and practice their numbers! To set up the game, you will need some space and some music. Make a number mat by taping numbers from 1–20 on the floor (you can also write them on a piece of paper or use numbered flashcards).

How to play:

Once the mat is set up, have your students stand on a number. When the music starts, they should start dancing around! Every time the music stops, they must find a new number to stand on.

You can make the game more challenging by adding some movement rules, such as “hop on one foot when the number is even, spin around when the number is a multiple of five,” etc.

What will students learn: Number recognition, counting, gross motor skills

Age range: 3–6 years

Grade: PreK-Grade 1

Related Reading: Engaging Math Activities for Preschoolers

16. Balloon Pop

This is a great game for practicing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. You will need some balloons (blow them up ahead of time) and a Sharpie. Write a different number on each balloon using the Sharpie, then mix them up. 

How to play:

Students will take turns picking a balloon and popping it. They will then count the number of pops it took to pop the balloon and say the number out loud. The student with the most popped balloons at the end of the game wins!

Age range: 3–6 years

Grades: K–1

17. Spill the Beans

This is a great game for practicing addition and subtraction. The objective of the game is to collect as many beans as possible without spilling them. 

How to play:

You will need a container filled with beans, a spoon, and a cup. Each player will take turns scooping up beans with the spoon and transferring them to the cup. If, at any point, the beans spill, that player will lose all of their beans. The player with the most beans at the end of the game wins!

What will students learn: Addition, subtraction, cognitive skills

Age range: 5–7 years

Grade: K-2

Related Reading: Best Math Puzzles for Kids

18. Bingo!

This is a classic game that can be used to practice any number of skills, including number recognition, counting, and addition. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get five numbers in a row (up, down, across, or diagonally). 

How to play:

You will need a bingo card for each player (you can find printable bingo cards online or make your own). The caller will then draw numbers one at a time and call them out. Players will mark the numbers off on their cards if they have them. The first player to get five in a row wins!

Age range: 7+

Grade: Grade 2 and above

19. Hit the Target

Math games are not only a way to pass the time, they’re also educational. This game is perfect for practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 

How to play:

All you need is a whiteboard and a dry-erase marker. Write a math problem on the board, and then have students try to hit the target (the answer) with their markers. The person who gets closest to the target wins the round.

Age range: 7–12 years

Grade: Grade 2-7

20. EDM (Educational Dance Music)

This game is perfect for getting kids up and moving while they learn math. 

How to play:

Choose a song with a high BPM (beats per minute), and then have students count out the beats as they dance. For example, if the song had 120 BPM, students would count “1-2-3-4” as they danced. This game can be adapted to any math concept, such as skip counting or finding fractions of a whole.

What will students learn: Counting, rhythm, fractions

Age range: 5–12 years

Grade: K-7

21. The Number Detective Game

This is a great game for helping kids practice their addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills. You will need a whiteboard, marker, and eraser. 

How to play:

Write a number on the board and then challenge your students to solve various math problems using that number. For instance, you might write “78” and then ask students to find all the numbers that add up to 78.

You can also have students solve for two numbers at once to make things more challenging. For example, if you write “78” and “15,” students would then need to find all the numbers that add up to 78 and all the numbers that multiply to 15.

Age range: 6–8 years old

Grades: Grade 1–3

These are just a few of the many online math games available. With so many options, there is sure to be a game that your students will love!

Let’s Play with Numbers!

So there you have it, the twenty-one best classroom math games for kids that are not only super fun to play but also educational. These games are perfect for reinforcing math concepts and skills. So get out there and make your classroom a fun and interactive learning environment!

Related Reading: Best Educational Games for Kids by Subjects & Grades

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to use math games in the classroom?

Math games are a great way to engage students and get them excited about learning. To get the most out of these games, it is important to use them to supplement your regular lesson plans. Use classroom math games as a way to review concepts that have already been taught or as a way to introduce new concepts.

What is the impact of playing classroom math games?

Math games offer a number of benefits for students, including

  • improved problem-solving skills
  • increased confidence in math
  • a better understanding of math concepts
  • greater interest in math

Where can I find more math games for my students?

There are a number of ways to find more math games for your students. SplashLearn offers a comprehensive math learning program for grades PreK–5, with over 4,000 interactive games.

How are math games used effectively in the classroom?

Here are a few tips to incorporate math games in the classroom:

  • Set aside time each week for students to play math games.
  • Integrate math games into your regular lesson plans.
  • Encourage students to play at home as well.
  • Choose games that are appropriate for your students’ skill level.
  • Monitor students’ progress and adjust accordingly.
  • Don’t forget to have fun!

Top 10 math games in class for bored students K12

Here we have a list of 10 math games for class . It can be great icebreakers, brain breaks, or just games to play if you have some free time.

Learning is not easy in the world of Xbox and PlayStation. Math students, like all other students, experience all sorts of distractions, and with the digitization of just about everything around us, it’s hard for them to focus on their numbers…

…fun games to play in class anyway. If you're a math teacher and are struggling to capture the attention of students in the digital age, there are a few classroom math games that work. with rather than against students' often innate desire to play

Get more tips

4 benefits of math games in the classroom

  1. math games in the classroom cover almost all math topics, offering students fun regardless of the lesson. These games, from elementary to high school students, cover the whole gamut of simple concepts like addition and subtraction, to more complex ones like algebra and trigonometry.
  2. Teachers can use these games to make lessons boring more enjoyable . Younger students can play as cute colorful characters to solve problems, while older students can get more addicted to puzzles. nine0026
  3. Math games at school represent the curriculum in Novel, in a different way. At first glance, this looks like a normal fun game, but at each level of the game, students learn a new concept and a new strategy that helps to motivate and engage them in the subject.
  4. Math games and quizzes at the end of the lesson can help students practice what they just learned in class. This helps to better understand the concepts and makes a long learning process more productive .
  1. Country of Mathematics
  2. AgaSlides
  3. Math Game Prodigy
  4. Komodo Math
  5. Monster Math
  6. Master of Mathematics
  7. 2048
  8. Quento
  9. Cartoon Math
  10. Mental Math Master

10 Math Games to Play in the Classroom

Here is a list of 10 interactive math games for students to help develop problem solving skills by overcoming fun math problems. Just bring them to the big screen and play them with your class, live or online. nine0005

Let's dive into ...

#1 - Math Land

Best for: Ages 4 to 12

Cool Math Games and training. It features a compelling pirate storyline and a mission to restore the natural balance of the environment, using math, of course.

To complete the level, students must use addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and counting to help the protagonist Ray navigate through different parts of the sea in search of hidden treasures. nine0005

MathLand has 25 levels full of surprises and challenges to help your students build core concepts with 100% attention and participation. All the main features of the game are free and compatible with all Android and IOS devices.

#2 - AhaSlides

Best for: Age 7 +

Naturally, there's always the option to make your own math game in class very quickly.

With the right quiz tool, you can create a math quiz for your students to complete together in class or alone at home. nine0005

The AgaSlides team math game that makes all your students buzz might be just what the doctor ordered for musty, unresponsive classrooms. All they need is a phone or tablet to send their responses in real time, just like Kahut.

Cool Math Games

As a bonus, AhaSlides has a free play tool. spinning wheel games, many of which are great for math. Use it to randomly select students, give random equations, or play tons of icebreaker math games together! nine0005

After a quiz or game, you can see how everyone did with a full class report showing the questions the students faced and the ones they did well.

For teachers, AhaSlides has an exclusive offer for just $1.95 per month, or completely free if you teach in small classes.

Take a free math test!

#3 - Prodigy Math Game

Best for: Ages 4 to 14

Cool Math Games

This game has a variety of activities to help you learn an impressive 900 math skills.

The Prodigy Math Game is specifically designed to teach fundamental math concepts and not only covers a wide range of RPG math quests, but also provides the teacher with the ability to easily track the progress of the entire class at once, as well as individual students. nine0005

It comes with an automatic assessment option that evaluates the student for their performance at any level of the game. All of these assessments happen in real time, eliminating the need to submit grades or repeat homework.

#4 - Komodo Math

Best for: Ages 4 to 16

Cool Math Games

Komodo Math is specifically designed to help both teachers and parents build math foundations for their kids. It works on a rewarding basis with personalized options that can be modified to suit student needs. nine0005

What's great about this classroom math game is that it's not just class-specific. Parents can also work with this app at home, and students can do math without having to be in the classroom.

It runs on a Duolingo-style leveling system and boasts a dashboard to help track progress. It shows how well the student is doing and also helps to highlight the categories in which the student is having difficulty. nine0005

Komodo Math is compatible with regular Android and IOS phones and does not require a special device.

#5 - Monster Math

Best for: Ages 4 to 12

Cool Math Games

Monster Math helps kids practice math while having fun and having fun with very well thought out storylines and characters.

The game allows students to play the role of a monster who must fight enemies to protect one of his friends. To complete a level, students must work within a limited time to find the correct answer, otherwise they will not be able to move on. nine0005

This is a simple game that teaches simple calculation and arithmetic problem solving skills under time constraints.

#6 - Math Master

Best for: Ages 12+

Cool Math Games

Math Master is perhaps the most appropriate interactive math game for learners of all ages: kids as young as 8 enjoy simpler things and adults as global tasks.

It has categories of arithmetic problems that can be solved individually, such as division or subtraction problems, or if you want to mix it all up, you can get this as well. nine0005

It has true/false arithmetic problems, as well as equality and memory questions. While it doesn't have the same sense of adventure that other math games for learners on this list have, it's perfect for preparing for simple exams and helps overcome any difficulty students face when solving arithmetic problems.

#7 - 2048

Best for: Age 12 +

Cool Math Games

2048 , Math games in the classroom or even an online game is kind of a wildcard in this list. It's more like a puzzle game, but addictive enough for students to learn multiplication as they go.

It works on a grid of tiles, each with a number that merges when you place two tiles with the same number. This game is perfect for most learner ages, but perhaps best suited for older learners as it requires a unique strategy to try and hit the total 2048.

While this mostly works as a puzzle, it certainly increases classroom engagement and can act as a great icebreaker as students are likely to be thinking about numbers for a long time.

2048 is a free game compatible with Android and IOS devices. You can also play it on a laptop using the link above for better viewing in class.

#8 - Quento

Best for: Ages 12+

Cool Math Games

Speaking of puzzles. Quento is a unique and enjoyable classroom math puzzle game for students of all age groups (but perhaps best for older students).

In Quento, students must complete a number by adding or subtracting the various available numbers. It works with simple addition and subtraction of numbers, but like 2048, it works with moving tiles to available spaces.

If the sum of number tiles equals the target number, the player receives a star; once all the stars are unlocked, the player can move on to the next round. This is a colorful and addictive puzzle game with various tasks and arithmetic problems. nine0005

This is also a great logic game as it helps students think on multiple levels at once.

#9 - Cartoon Math

Best for: Ages 6 to 14

Cool Math Games

Cartoon Math, Classroom Math Games is a fun school math game, and not just in the sense that it is with suspicion is similar to the popular game Temple Run .

In the game, the student's character is being chased by a monster, and the student must use the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication to get away from it. Specifically, the students encounter math problems along the way, and they must jump onto the track with the correct answer to keep the monster running. nine0005

This is a very cute, interesting and well structured game that is ideal for children from grades 1 to 5 learning basic arithmetic.

Aside from copyright infringement, it has a good balance of adventure, fun and a sense of learning that Temple Run certainly doesn't have.

Basic Toon Math features are free, but upgrades can cost up to $14.

#10 - Master of Mental Mathematics

Best for: Ages 12 +

Cool Math Games

Mental Math Master , Classroom Math Games, as the name suggests, is a mind game. There are no adventures, characters or storylines here, but the game has interesting and challenging levels, each requiring a new strategy and approach to problem solving.

Because of this, it is better suited for older students than younger ones. This also applies to the content of the game, which focuses a bit more on higher levels of mathematics, including logarithms, square roots, factorials, and other more advanced topics. nine0005

The questions themselves are not so simple; they require a bit of sharp thinking. This makes it the perfect math class game for students who want to test their math skills and prepare for even more difficult arithmetic problems.

17 fun games to play in the classroom (all classes!)

All students, regardless of age, have one thing in common: they have short attention spans and cannot sit and study for long periods of time. just 30 minutes before lecture you may find them fidgeting, staring blankly at the ceiling, or asking trivial questions.

To keep students interested and avoid textbooks as your kids avoid vegetables, check out these Top 17 Fun Games to Play in Lesson. They are versatile, works great for both online and offline learning , and does not require much effort to set up.

Let's jump!

  • 5 benefits of a fun class
  • online games
  • ESL games
  • Word games
  • Board games
  • Math games

5 Benefits of a Fun Classroom

Fun games for the classroom. Whether it's online or offline, it's important to have a series of fun games in the classroom. Here are five reasons why you should include games in your lesson more often:

  • Mindfulness: According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, a small amount of entertainment significantly increases the concentration of students. It's easy to see that your students are addicted to classroom games, as classroom games are often upbeat and require a lot of attention to win.
  • Motivation: more than a dozen times, students often look forward to a lesson or activity if it includes a fun game. And if they feel motivated, they can overcome even the toughest learning obstacles👏
  • Collaboration: By participating in cool games in pairs or teams, your students will eventually learn to cooperate with others and work in harmony, as there are no right or wrong actions, only achievable goals at the end of the route.
  • Attachment: Playing games is a great way to form a special bond with your students. They will think that you are a "cool teacher" who knows how to create a friendly atmosphere and have fun besides teaching dry topics. nine0026
  • Reinforcement learning: The main purpose of classroom games is for students to learn using non-traditional teaching methods. By turning solid knowledge into something enjoyable, your students will have positive learning experiences that are much easier to remember during exams.

Check out AhaSlides Wheel Spinner for more fun in the classroom!

17 fun games for students in the classroom

Cool online games

Struggling in the silent void during virtual lessons is not a walk in the park. Fortunately, it is very interesting online cool games to rescue! Liven up the classroom atmosphere and give your students the brightest smiles with this first aid kit.

Here is the full list of 👉 15 cool online games for all ages.

#1 –
Live Quiz

Quizzes make learning easier. They help students learn the lesson and spark a competitive spirit that the traditional pen and paper method cannot achieve.

There are many interactive online quizzes you can try: Kahoot, Quizizz, AhaSlides, Quizlet, etc. Choose the one that best suits your plan and budget, and then start giving your class a gourmet time.

Fun games to play in the classroom - live quiz with ESL students on AhaSlides. nine0010

Get free quiz templates!

#2 - Charades s

Fun games to play in the classroom - online or offline, Charades is a fun physics game that will satisfy your students' desire to move around when they're stuck behind a computer screen.

You can let students work in teams or pairs. Students will be given a word or phrase to demonstrate through actions, and their teammates will have to guess the correct word/phrase based on that description. nine0005

#3 –
Climbing time

The students love this game, especially the younger ones. Several teachers have reported that their students beg them to play Climbing Time during the lesson and if you look at the game manual you can see that it is a complete set and educational candy for kids 🍭

The game will transform your standard multiple choice quiz into an interactive game where students can choose their characters and climb to the top of the mountain with the fastest correct answer. nine0005

Cool ESL games

Fun games to play in the classroom. Learning a second language requires double the energy to transform words and meanings, so your class might just freeze in time. Don't worry, because with these icebreakers in the ESL class, the words "timid" or "shy" won't be in your students' vocabulary 😉.

Here is the complete list 👉 12 fun and cool ESL games.

#4 - Tell me five

This is a simple vocabulary game where you can develop your own rules. In class, divide the students into groups and give each group a category (for example, pizza toppings). They have 20 seconds to find five things on the board that belong to this category (for example, pizza toppings: cheese, mushrooms, ham, bacon, corn).

For the virtual class, have students write five things from the category on the board. The fastest among them is the winner! nine0005

#5 –
Show and Say

It's great that your students can use fancy words in their writing, but can they do the same when they speak?

In Show and Say , you give students a topic to work with, such as their favorite snack. Each person will be required to bring an item that matches the theme and tell a story or memory related to that item.

To spice up the game, you can let students vote and compete for various prizes such as the best storyteller, the best story, the funniest story, etc.

Fun games to play in the classroom. Image Credit: Hello Ho Kids

#6 - Word Chain

Test your students' word bank with this simplified, no-training game.

First think of a word, for example "bee", then toss the ball to the student; they will think of another word that starts with the last letter "e", like "emerald". They will continue the word chain in class until someone can shout out the next word fast enough, then they will start over without that player. nine0005

For a more advanced level, you could prepare a topic and ask students to name words that only belong to that category. For example, if your theme is "animal" and the first word is "dog", players should use animal words like "goat" or "goose". Keep the category wide otherwise this fast cool game will become very difficult!

#7 –
Word Mess Race

Word Mess Race is perfect for practicing tenses, word order and grammar. nine0005

It's quite simple. Prepare by shortening the sentences by a few words, then divide the class into small groups and give each of them a few words. When you say "GO!" each group will rush to put the words in the correct order.

You can print out the sentences for class use, or shuffle words easily using the online quiz tool.

Here's how it works online

  1. Sign up for AhaSlides for free, create a presentation and select the Right Order slide. nine0026
  2. Add sentence words. Each one will be randomly shuffled for your players.
  3. Set the time limit.
  4. Present to your students.
  5. They all join their phones and compete to sort words faster!
Fun games to play in the classroom

Vocabulary games in the classroom

These cool vocabulary games are similar to the cool ESL games but focus more on single words than sentence structures. These are some non-intimidating cool games that can boost your students' self-esteem and energy levels. nine0005

Here is the complete list 👉 10 fun word games for class

#8 - Pixel

It's time to let the students practice drawing.

Pictionary is very easy to play in class. You assign one person to read the word you have prepared, and they will have to quickly jot it down in 20 seconds. When there is time left, the others will have to guess what the scribbles are.

You can let them play in teams or individually, and make the task more difficult depending on the level of the students. To play Pictionary online, be sure to use the Zoom board or one of the many great free apps like Pictionary. nine0005 Fun games to play in the classroom

#9 –
Word Scramble

There is nothing more fun than deciphering words and finding out what they might mean. You can make some Word Scramble Worksheets ready with different themes like animals, festivals, stationery, etc. and unfold them during class. The first student to correctly decipher all the words will be the winner.

#10 –
Guess secret word

How can you help students remember new words? Try the word association game, Guess the secret word.

Think of a word first, and then tell the students some words related to it. They will have to use their vocabulary to try and guess the word you are thinking of.

For example, if the secret word is "peach", you can say "pink". Then they might guess something like "flamingos" and you tell them it's irrelevant. But when they say words like "guava", you can tell them it's related to the secret word. nine0005

#11 - Stop the bus

This is another great game for vocabulary review in the classroom.

Start by preparing some categories or topics that contain the target vocabulary your students are learning, such as verbs, clothes, transportation, colors, etc. Then choose a letter from the alphabet.

Your class, which is to be divided into teams, will have to write every word from every category that starts with that particular letter as quickly as possible. When they complete all the lines, they will have to yell "Stop the bus!". nine0005

For example, there are three categories: clothes, countries, and cakes. The letter you chose is "C". Students need to come up with something like this:

  • Corset (clothes)
  • Canada (countries)
  • Cake (cupcakes)

Cool board games

Board games are great for classroom activities. They enhance students' collaboration and vocabulary skills through fruitful competition. Here are some quick classroom board games that can be played virtually or in a physical classroom, and for all ages. nine0005

#12 –
Headbanz

Taken from the classic family board game, Headbanz is uplifting and very easy to play.

Print out some cards related to the category of animals, food, or objects, and then tape them to the students' foreheads. They will have to ask yes or no questions to figure out what the cards are before the time runs out. Playing in pairs is optimal for Hedbanz.

Fun games to play in the classroom. Image Credit: Ultraboard Games

#13 –
cunning

On a jumbled grid of 16 letters, the goal of cunning is to find as many words as possible. Up, down, left, right, diagonal, how many words can your students think of on the grid?

Lots of free Boggle templates online for distance learning and physical class. Fold a few and give to your students as a nice surprise at the end of the lesson.

#14 –
Apples to Apples

Great for student vocabulary development, Apples to Apples is a fun board game to add to your classroom collection. There are two types of cards: Things (which usually contain a noun) and Description (which contain an adjective).

As a teacher, you can be the judge and choose Description card. The students try to choose from the seven cards they have in their hand, Item they think it best fits this description. If you like this comparison, they can leave Description card. The winner is the one who collects the most Description cards in the game.

Cool Math Games

Has learning math ever been fun? We dare to say YES because with these short but powerful math games your students will add math to their list of favorite subjects. It is also scientifically proven that lessons built around play activities generate more math enthusiasts. Check this! nine0005

Here is the complete list 👉 Top 10 math video games for bored K12 school kids?

#15 –
Would you rather - math edition

Would you rather buy packs of 12 cookies for $3 each or packs of 10 cookies for $2.60 each?

I don't know which answer your students will choose, but we love cookies 🥰️ In the standard version of You'd rather be , students are presented with a two-choice scenario. They will have to choose which option they choose and justify it with logical reasoning. nine0005

In the maths edition, all students play at the same time and compete to choose the best proposal from two options.

The game can be played both online and offline to quickly break the ice or finish the lesson. Let's play You would be better with AhaSlides!

#16 –
101 and up

Do you ever worry that your math class ends on a boring note? How about starting some rounds of 101 and above , a fun class activity in which the goal is to score as many points as possible without missing the number 101. Divide your class into groups and make a spinning wheel representing dice (yes, we guess not each class has a pair of ready-made bones).

Each group will take turns spinning the wheel and they can either count the number at face value or multiply it by 10. For example, if a five comes up, they can keep that number or turn it into 50 to quickly get to 101.


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