Integer Math Games: Fun Ways to Study Integers

What Do I Need to Know About Integers?

An integer is any whole number. Integers include all positive numbers, negative numbers and zero. Since fractions and decimals are only parts of a number, they are not considered to be integers. In kindergarten, your child will learn to work with the numbers 1-20. For instance, your child will write, recognize and count using this range of numbers.

Your child will continue working with positive integers until he or she enters sixth grade, at which point negative integers will be introduced. As your student progresses through elementary school, working with integers will involve the basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). Other math skills, such as rounding and comparing numbers, will also require your child to understand integers.

Lower Elementary (K-2)

Can You Make This?

Before beginning this activity, write a variety of clues on paper and place them in a bowl. For example, you could write, 'create a 2-digit number that is larger than 50'. Then, ask your child to pull a piece of paper from the bowl and create a number that follows the clue. Have your child continue until he or she has created a number for each clue.

Upper Elementary (3-5)

Throw It to Me!

To prepare for this game, write a variety of numbers on a beach ball. You should write numbers on the ball that are directly aligned to your child's ability level. For instance, if your child is a third grader you may want to use 1-digit numbers. If your child is a fifth grader, then you may want to write 2-digit or 3-digit numbers on the ball.

Before beginning the game, identify which of the four main operations you would like for your child to perform. Toss the beach ball and ask your child to identify the numbers that are closest to his or her thumbs. Then, have your child perform the specified operation using these two numbers. Feel free to change up the operation and continue tossing the ball until your child has had ample practice.

Say It Aloud

For this activity, you will need a deck of cards containing only number cards. Make one stack of cards in the middle of the table. Ask your child to turn over four cards and form a 4-digit number. Then, ask your child to read the number aloud. Challenge your child to also create 5-digit and 6-digit numbers and orally identify them.