What Are the Best Math Games for My Child?

What Makes a Math Game Effective?

Before you go to the effort of preparing a math game for your child, you'll want to be sure that it will be effective. A successful math game will be engaging for your student, and it will target an age-appropriate math skill. In addition, it will strike the right balance between being too easy and too challenging.

It's important to note that math games don't have to be played at the kitchen table - you and your child can play them on the go, while waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting in traffic. With a little creativity, many math games can be easily adjusted to fit your child's ability level and the materials you have on hand.

Match It Up

This simple matching game can help your student practice number operations, and all it requires is some index cards. Start by writing a math problem or answer on each card. Then, lay the cards out on the table face down, and have players take turns flipping over two cards at a time in search of a math problem and its solution.

You can use this matching game to have your student practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and even fractions. If math vocabulary is giving your child trouble, try writing the vocabulary word on one card and an example of the term on another card (for example, 'polygon - hexagon'). In addition to helping your student with math skills, this game also improves memory!

What's the Secret Number?

As children, we've all played the 'guess which number I'm thinking of' game. This is the basis for the 'Secret Number' math game, which builds math skills while requiring your child to think critically. After you've chosen a number, your child will have to discover what number you've chosen by asking you questions. You can also help your child out by giving him or her hints.

For instance, if your child is in lower elementary school, you might choose 20. Your child could start by asking, 'Is the secret number less than 50?' When you answer, 'Yes,' your child can guess a number or continue asking questions. For example, he or she could ask, 'Is the number even or odd?'

You can also change the game up by having your child select the secret number and provide clues to help you identify it, or by choosing secret numbers that are fractions or decimals. You can even provide clues that will require your child to use math vocabulary, such as, 'The number I'm thinking of is prime.'