10 Fun and Hands-on Math Games for Kids

One of the best ways for kids to learn basic math facts is by repetition. I remember learning my math facts the old fashioned way - flash cards. Ah, those flashcard drills are still very vivid in my mind but not for a good reason. I hated them! I found it boring and it turned me off of math. You may be surprised to know that I was not a math aficionado growing up. I only started enjoying math when I began teaching it. Why? I was determined to make it fun. I vowed not to rely solely on flash card drills for mastery. I wanted to get my students excited about math, a subject that far too many (like me) fear and dread.

This year has been all about memorizing those basic math facts for my first grader. It was a struggle for her.  Sadly, she takes after her mama.  So making it hands-on and fun was a MUST in our house or she would simply shut down on me. I was determined to help her and I wanted it to be FUN. I do not want her to grow up hating math, like I did.

Today, I am excited to share some AMAZING math games from some awesome bloggers around the web. These games are Lil Diva approved:

One of our "go to" math games is Add It Up (from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas) Mixing in some beach ball fun to practice math facts means lots of gross motor movement and fun.

This Make Ten Math Card Game (from What Do We Do All Day) was a new one to us this week & I am beyond pleased that Erica shared it with me because it was an instant hit for my 1st Grade Diva! I love that it practices both addition and subtraction (sometimes at the same time) and really gets kids thinking mathematically. It's a definite must try if you have kids working on mastering those basic facts.

One more awesome math card game from What Do We Do All Day - Tens Go Fish. This is such a fun way to practice what addends make 10. he kids will have those math facts mastered in no time.

This Math Tunnel Game (from Mummy, Mummy, MUM!) is FUN! It's great for kids of all ages which makes it great for family game time. The Littles can work on number recognition, big kids can practice math facts and older kids can even work on multiplication. So many uses, so little time.....

 Here's a really fun Snap +1 Card Game (from Pauline of Lessons Learnt Journal via Kids Activities Blog). This is great for practicing "counting on" from any given number which is crucial to have mastered when learning how to add and subtract.

Subtraction is difficult for many children to master. Here's a fun Subtraction Card Game (from Learning Ideas Grads K-8)

Here's another one we enjoyed from Learning Ideas Grads K-8 an Addition Concentration Game that practices doubles. 

Another fun way to practice those math facts & sneak in some fine motor practice using clothes pins - Clip in the Blanks (from Allie of No Time for Flashcards). We do this all the time with our math facts. There's something about clipping those clothes pins that keeps it interesting and fun.

Take math practice outside with this fun Gross Motor Addition Game (from Train Up a Child).

If you want to use flashcards, do it in a fun way. Trust me, drilling card after card gets boring fast. Try this Math Fact Passport Activity (from Megan of Coffee Cups and Crayons). It's interactive and fun.

These activities and games are not only fun but they will surely have your child mastering their math facts in no time at all. 

For additional math ideas follow my Math Fun Pinterest Board - lots of amazing ideas pinned in one neat, tidy place for you!

Have fun playing & learning together!

Bern