Math games for 1st graders at home
First Grade Math Games That Will Really Engage Your Students
Early elementary teachers have a chance to instill in their students a love of math right from the start. One great way to do that is to make math fun! These first grade math games cover all the standard skills firsties need to know, in ways that make learning engaging and enjoyable for all.
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1. Assemble a domino puzzle
Print the free puzzles at the link below. Then grab some dominoes and start filling in the puzzle one piece at a time by placing a domino that adds up to the number shown in each rectangle. The trick is that regular domino rules still apply, so each number must touch another domino with the same number on that end.
Learn more: Games 4 Gains
2. Play tic-tac-toe with addition problems
Work out the answer to each problem in the grid, and dot or circle the ones that add up to 10. First to get three in a row wins!
Learn more: 123Homeschool4Me—Tic-Tac-Toe Math Game
3. Face off in Dice War
Dice games are fantastic in the classroom! With this one, kids practice their addition facts and get a little work with subitizing too. The concept is so simple: Each player rolls the dice and adds up their numbers. The highest sum wins that round. This is one of those first grade math games that can be expanded by adding a third die. (You can also use playing cards.)
Learn more: Miss Giraffe’s Class
4. Use sticky notes to make 10
Sticky notes have so many uses in the classroom. In this case, challenge students to put together the numbered notes that “make 10.” They’ll practice adding to 10 with multiple numbers. You can also do this with subtraction, starting at 10, to make zero.
Learn more: Life Over C’s
5. Play Shut the Box
This game has been played for hundreds of years, but it’s a fun and sneaky way to practice addition facts fluency.
The goal is to “close” each of the numbers in the box from one to nine by rolling the dice. For instance, if a player rolls 11, they may close 1, 2, 3, and 5, as these add up to 11. If no numbers are available to add up to the dice total, play passes to the next player and continues until someone finally “shuts the box” by closing the last available number. You can play this game with a specially designed box, as it has been played for years. You don’t need the box, though; simply have kids write out the numbers 1 through 9 and cross them out as they play.
6. Assemble some addition grab bags
Fill a variety of bags with collections of small objects. Kids grab a handful from two different bags, then count and add up the results. Be sure they write it all down to get practice at setting up equations. First grade math games like this one work for subtraction too.
Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching—Grab Bags
7. Face Off to find the difference
Each player rolls the dice (try polyhedral dice for higher numbers, or roll several dice and add them together) and builds a stack of math cubes.
Then they “face off” and find the difference between their two stacks.
Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
8. Plant flowers and count on
Pick up some artificial flowers at the dollar store for this springtime garden game. Roll the die and add that number of flowers to your pot. Then roll again and add more, counting on from where you left off. Easy and fun!
Learn more: Fun-a-Day
9. Build and count on
Here’s a fun hands-on way to practice counting on and addition. You can use any type of building blocks for this one. Get free printables at the link.
Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching—Building On
10. Print a hundreds chart to play Battleship
Help students master numbers up to 100 by playing Battleship, using a standard hundreds chart. They’ll enjoy the strategy (and the fun of crying “boom!” when they sink a ship) while they develop number sense and practice number words.
Learn more: 123Homeschool4Me—Hundreds Chart Battleship
11.
Fill in a number grid puzzleThese hundreds chart puzzles encourage kids to use a variety of first grade math skills to fill in the missing numbers. They’ll practice counting on, numbers to 100, skip counting, and more. Grab these 10 free printable puzzles at the link.
Learn more: Helping With Math
12. Try nuts and bolts for place-value practice
Mastering the concepts of tens and ones is more fun with hands-on activities. We love these DIY math manipulatives that use inexpensive nuts and bolts from the hardware store to drive home the idea of place value. (Bonus: Kids also practice fine motor skills!) Get free printable mats to use with this activity at the link.
Learn more: The Measured Mom
13. Have a place-value scavenger hunt
Grab a stack of old magazines and use it for a place-value scavenger hunt! You can do this one at school or send it home for homework. Get free printables to use for this first grade math game at the link.
Learn more: Primary Theme Park—Place Value Scavenger Hunt
14. Practice tens and ones with I Have, Who Has
As first graders work with the concepts of tens and ones, play this simple game to give them confidence. Using the free printable cards at the link, the first player calls out “I have …” followed by the number shown on their card in blocks. Then they call out the number on the bottom, and the player who has that number takes over.
Learn more: Playdough to Plato—I Have, Who Has
15. Deal Uno cards to compare numbers
Some first grade math games are just slightly harder versions of kindergarten ones. Make a greater than/less than mat with paper scraps and a brad, as shown. Lay out two Uno cards on each side, since first graders work on comparing two-digit numbers. Swing the arms of the signs around to the correct direction to indicate which is greater.
Learn more: The Kindergarten Smorgasboard
16. Knock down the pins with dot arrangement bowling
Take an inexpensive toy bowling set (or make your own with plastic bottles) and add sticky dots arranged in patterns.
Students roll the ball and then have to quickly subitize to determine how many dots are on each pin they knocked down. If they get it right, they get the points!
Learn more: The First Grade Parade
17. Navigate a time-telling maze
Start with the first clock and color in the line that shows the correct time. That leads you to the next clock, and so on, until you’re done!
Learn more: 123Homeschool4Me—Time-Telling Maze
18. Assemble time-telling puzzles
Firsties should be mastering time to the hour and half hour. These free printable puzzles help them match up analog and digital clock times. Have them say the times out loud as they match them up too.
Learn more: 123Homeschool4Me—Time-Telling Puzzles
19. Match up plastic eggs
This is always a popular way to practice telling time. Draw clocks on one half of the eggs, and write out the times in numbers or words on the other half. For even more fun, hide the halves around the room and go on an egg hunt before you match them up!
Learn more: The STEM Laboratory
20.
Put together shapes to make other shapesUse pattern blocks with the free printable cards at the link to get kids playing around with simple geometry. They’ll practice recognizing basic shapes and learn they can use some shapes to make new ones.
Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching—Pattern Blocks
21. Partition and sort shapes
Gather up sticky notes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Draw lines on them to partition them equally or unequally. Then, have kids sort them based on type.
Learn more: Smitten With First
22. Build and measure with LEGO bricks
Everything is more fun with LEGO! Pull out a pile of square bricks and use them for these fun and free activities that incorporate estimating, measuring, and comparing length.
Learn more: Playdough to Plato—LEGO Math
23. Race and measure with toy cars
First, kids get a little STEM practice by figuring out how to build a ramp. Then, they race toy cars down the ramp, marking where they land.
Finally, they compare distances using any kind of non-standard measurement they like.
Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching—Non-Standard Measurement
24. Sort out your classroom toys
First graders work on sorting by attribute in as many as three categories. Put out a variety of building blocks, beads, or other classroom toys and lay out some Hula-Hoops. Ask kids to define the categories and start sorting! You can even overlap the hoops into Venn diagrams for items that meet more than one criteria.
Learn more: BSM Year 2
25. Go on a bug hunt
Grab the free printable game at the link, then have kids graph their insects as they play. When they’re done, ask questions to ensure they understand the data they’ve collected.
Learn more: Primary Theme Park—Bug Hunt
Like these first grade math games? Don’t miss these 50 First Grade Math Word Problems of the Day!
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Math Games for 1st Graders Online
1st Grade Math GamesTeaching 1st grade math through online games can be a great way to help students master their math skills, especially if you're looking for a more engaging way to teach the material. Playing educational math games for 1st graders helps students to engage with the material at hand and gives them something fun to do while they learn.
Online games can be used to teach math topics like counting numbers upto 120, addition and subtraction strategies, ordering and comparing numbers, counting money, telling the time, measuring length and identifying 2D and 3D shapes. There are also interactive counting games that utilize number lines and hundreds chart, and grouping in tens using bundles of colorful objects. Online games like addition games, subtraction games, measurement games, counting games, number sense games, place value games, algebra games, etc. can do wonders for your child’s mathematical grasp and fluency.
These learning math games for 1st graders stimulate a child’s learning capacity and cognitive skills, build up self-concept, and increase their motivation by involving them in solving simple everyday math problems.
Benefits of Learning Math Games for 1st Graders- Increase in Math Talk: The best math games for first graders encourage and promote math talk. By playing games, kids are encouraged to have fruitful conversations about math and academic jargon.This creates a positive learning environment as well as fosters interest in math learning.
- Enhances critical thinking: Critical thinking is a valuable skill that is developed and enhanced by fun math games for 1st graders. Children are encouraged to solve problems by picking up mathematical strategies. This is one of the most important benefits of math games.
- Building motivation: When a child succeeds at a game, their confidence is boosted which leads to an increase in motivation to learn more.
Educational math games for 1st graders do an excellent job in keeping children interested in learning and practicing math to increase their proficiency.
- Play on multiple devices: Games can be accessed and played online on multiple devices.
- Easy Connect for Parents: Parents are instantly notified about their child’s progress.
- Offline access: For a hassle-free experience, games can also be played offline.
Math games are wondrous when it comes to learning. Exploring mathematical concepts of addition, subtraction, 2D and 3D shapes, comparing data, time, and measurements through games can be both fun and interesting. They help capture the learner’s attention by making the content more engaging, which enhances conceptual understanding and concentration levels.
Yes! Online games are wonderful to develop math skills in your child. They help facilitate your child’s growth from one level to another level. They also help to build a foundation for math skills playfully and in alignment with the core curriculum.
3. Are math games easy to use and understand?Math games online can be quite easy to use and understand. They can be the perfect start for your child to master new math skills.
4. How can I make my 1st grade math learning fun through games?Games that cover areas like counting on and counting back through objects, addition and subtraction through a number line, comparing numbers within 20, partitioning shapes into halves and fourths, etc. can be used to make math learning fun. Such games can simplify concepts and get the point across to different types of students with ease.
5.
How to teach math to 1st graders?Math can be taught to first graders by incorporating the use of activities and online games. They can make the curriculum more fun and less intimidating which can be great as children feel more excited to learn when they are more comfortable with the teaching method.
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Booklet "Math games at home" | Mathematics consultation (middle group):
Mathematics is a special world, the world of numbers, quantity, geometric representations, the world of size, color and shape.
The game is one of the most natural activities of children, which contributes to the formation and development of intellectual and personal manifestations, independence.
Games of mathematical content help to educate children's cognitive interest, the ability for creative and research search, the desire and ability to learn. An unusual game situation with elements of problematic nature inherent in an entertaining task is interesting for children.
Game "Geometric Mosaic"
Purpose: to consolidate knowledge about geometric shapes; formation of the ability to create an image of an object from geometric shapes; development of visual perception, attention.
How to play: Together with the child, you can make an application. Make a circle of two semi-circles, a triangle of two smaller ones, a square of two rectangles, etc. You want the child to do a better job. Glue the assembled figures into a notebook. Keep a notebook, and add new elements, plots to it (a house made of a square and a triangle, of three triangles, a sun of two semicircles).
Game "Name a similar object"
Purpose: development of the ability to distinguish objects by shape, development of visual attention, observation and coherent speech.
Game progress: an adult asks a child to name objects that look like different geometric shapes. For example, "Find what looks like a square" or "Find all the round objects."
Set the table game
The kitchen is a great place for mathematics.
It is necessary to set the table - entrust this matter to the child, let him get the required number of tableware, bring 2 or 3 apples from the refrigerator, bring 2 cups and a glass, as many spoons as plates, etc. Tasks are born by themselves, it is only worth starting.
One-many game
Purpose: to develop the ability to distinguish between the number of objects.
Game progress: invite the child to look around the room and say which items are in it a lot, and which one. If the child has difficulties, draw his attention to groups of objects in this way: “Look, what is a lot in the closet”, “Tell me what is a lot on the window”, etc. In the future, this exercise can be done on the street while walking, using expressions like "Many cars, many trees", "There is only one house, but there are many windows in it."
Reasons why it is desirable to play math games with children at home:
- Games make math fun. For many children, mathematics is boring and joyless work.
And it's fun to play. Children's attitudes towards mathematics change as they begin to associate it with something interesting.
- Games help children understand that mathematics is a team effort. Playing with other children is a great help in learning. Children love to play together. Often for the company they do what they would never want to do, they could not do on their own.
- Games help children learn math in many ways. In games, you can touch everything, see, move, communicate with others. This way, of course, helps to better assimilation.
Each game can be played with one child, but it is better to play with the whole family, at least for a few minutes postponing their business.
The joy you bring to your child will become your joy!!!
Memo for parents.
Math games at home
Prepared by educator: Kolina N.A.
MBDOU "Burevestnikovsky kindergarten"
Nizhny Novgorod region, Bogorodsky district, Burevestnik village, Tsentralnaya street 9.
9 useful mathematical games for children and their parents
If you have already downloaded the useful applications that our math teacher advised us in Khoroshkole" and the founder of the "Mathematical Paths" project Alexander Markellov, then it's time to take a closer look at simple mathematical games. The great thing is that they will come in handy on a walk, in a traffic jam, and on a Saturday evening.
1. "Signals"
Age: 3–5 years
Develops counting skills and the ability to concentrate.
This is a game for the little ones and it is very enjoyable because it is easy to play on the road or on the street. When you go hand in hand with a child, you simply press his palm, and he must count how many times you pressed. Then you can change.
2. “Then jump!”
Age: 6–10 years old
An especially good game when you are walking somewhere with your child and you need to entertain him. The game is more about attention, but it also tells something about the property of numbers.
The rules are simple: even - clap your hands, divided by three - jump, and if there are 7 in the number - say "Ulyul". The more signs to track, the more difficult the game.
3. “Fly”
Age: 6–14 years old
Develops attention and spatial thinking.
To explain the game, we need a drawn 3 by 3 square. In the center of the square we need to put a dot, it will be a “trained fly”. You give the fly the commands "up", "down", "right", "left", it executes them.
After you have explained the rules, you need to ask the child to imagine a field and a fly on it. Now you will order her how many cells and in which direction to move. The child must imagine these movements. If the fly went out of the field, he must clap - this means that he caught it and this is his victory. And if you didn’t slam, then the fly flew away and you won. Change roles after each game.
Changing the difficulty level. You can make the field larger or even turn it into a three-dimensional one.
For example, a 3x3x3 cube. You can also give a series of commands without pauses. For example, down - up - right - down.
4. "Danetki" with mathematical concepts
Age: 6–12 years old
Develops categorization of concepts.
You guess any mathematical concept. For example, "circle" or "number 10". And the child asks questions to which you can answer either “yes” or “no”. Here, of course, there are endless possibilities for the level of complexity.
5. Bulls and Cows
Age: 7–99 years old
Develops logical thinking
This is a number guessing game. The participants of the game think of four-digit numbers and write them down on their sheets. All the numbers that make up the guessed numbers must be different from 1 to 9. The task of the players is to determine the number of the opponent by asking questions in turn. To ask a question means to name some four-digit number, all the digits of which are different.
If the conceived and named numbers have a common figure in the same place, then this situation is called "Bull" (denoted by "B").
For example: the number 5739 is conceived, the enemy calls the number 1234. The number "3" in both the first and second numbers is in third place. In this case, the answer is "One bull" ("1B").
If the conceived and named numbers have the same digits, but they are in different places, then this situation is called "Cow" (indicated by "K").
For example: the number 5739 is conceived, the enemy calls the number 3456. The numbers "3" and "5" are the same, but are in different places. In this case, the answer is "Two
cows" ("2K").
Having heard the question, the player must carefully compare it with the planned number and correctly name the number of “bulls” and “cows”. The winner is the player who managed to guess the opponent's number in fewer questions. To avoid disputes, write down not only the opponent's answers, but also your answers to him in a separate column.
An example of a game where the player thought of the number 2534.
Changing the difficulty level: to make it easier, you can think of a three-digit number or use only numbers from 1 to 5.
6. Tic-tac-toe 5 by 5
Age: 7–12 years old
Develops logical and spatial thinking.
The playing field is a square 5 by 5 cells. Two are playing. The first puts a cross in any cell, the second puts a zero. The winner is the one who puts three in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Changing the difficulty level: there is 3D tic-tac-toe, and the field can also be infinitely large.
7. "Guess the number"
Age: 8–99 years old
Develops logical thinking.
I think almost everyone has played this game. You guess any number from 0 to 100 (the range can vary depending on age). The child must guess it in the least number of attempts. After each guess, you say whether your number is greater or less.
It is important that the child finds the most efficient way to guess by himself - it is not very difficult (break into equal ranges, i.e. 50, 25, 13, etc.). Therefore, when you switch roles, it is better to guess the number with the wrong strategy.
Difficulty change: You can agree that you have one or more opportunities to lie. The task immediately becomes much more difficult, as soon as you are allowed to write down answers and reason together.
8. "Black box"
Age: 8-99 years old
Develops logical thinking and helps to understand dependencies.
You think of some function. For example, x + 6. The child tells you a number, for example 5. You substitute his number into your function: 5 + 6 = 11, and tell him the answer is 11. Then the child says another number. For example, 9, you answer him what you did. In our case, it will be 9 + 6 = 15. The child must guess what you are doing with his number, that is, understand what function you have guessed. Then you can change.
Changing the difficulty level: you can think of very different functions, for example x ⋅ (x - 1), and if the child is older than 6-7th grade, then you can build a graph using these points and at the same time see the properties of the graphs of the function.
