How to Make Math Games: Step-by-Step Instructions

How Can I Make My Own Math Games?

Before creating your own math game, you should first identify the math skill your child struggles with. You will want to create games that will help your child work on his or her trouble areas. It will also be important to consider what your child is interested in. For example, if your child has a love for basketball, then try to incorporate that love into the math game. If you can present your child with engaging, fun games that are also addressing math skills, then you are sure to see a marked improvement in your child's math performance in no time!

At this point, you are already beginning to form the base of your mathematical game. Next, you will need to decide the number of players that will be participating and plan your game accordingly. It may also be important to consider the items you have on hand. For instance, you wouldn't want to create a game that required toothpicks if you didn't have that item in your cabinets. Of course, you could always substitute some items for others that you do have on hand.

Sample Math Games

Money Tic-Tac-Toe

For this game, draw a tic-tac-toe board and write in a monetary amount in each square. You will also need to have a collection of coins for each player to count. For a player to be able to write an 'X' or an 'O' inside the square, he or she must be able to correctly model that amount of money.

For example, if the square has $0.20 written in it, then the player must show $0.20 however he or she chooses. This modeling could be in the form of two dimes, twenty pennies, one dime and two nickels or four nickels. Play will continue until someone has either three 'X' or three 'O' in a row on the tic-tac-toe board.

Shapes and Patterns

For this activity, you will need several sheets of construction paper. Have your child cut out shapes that he or she has learned about thus far. Then, begin creating a pattern with the shapes and have your child complete the pattern. You may also extend the activity by having your child create the entire pattern using the shapes.