Free Math Learning Games for Kids: Multiplication Relay Race Game

Lyn Lomasi, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jan 24, 2008 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

As a home school teacher and parent, who has also cared for other children for over 16 years, I have invented many creative ways to inspire children to learn their mathematics facts. Since many children detest math, it always made sense to make it more enjoyable for them. The Multiplication Relay Race Game is one of the many activities I have successfully used to make math more enjoyable for my kids, as well as those I have cared for over the years.

Materials
1 relay stick or baton
open area to race in

Preparation
Before playing, determine where the start and finish lines will be. Place one runner at the starting line with the baton in hand and two more players to the side. Two players should also placed to the side of the finish line. If there are more kids after that, those kids will line up behind the two side players on both start and finish lines.

Instructions
When the teacher or adult says "start", the runner then starts running to the other side. The teacher yells out a multiplication problem. The two players at the side of the finish line yell out their answers. Whichever player the runner believes has the correct answer is the one the runner needs to hand the baton to. That player then runs back to the start line in the same manner, repeating the process.

If a runner picks a player who has told the wrong answer, the runner is out and will not trade places with the other player, but will instead, sit to the side. This is when another classmate or friend from the line is rotated into the spot that the runner would have taken. The game continues until there is only one person left to run and none left to answer. The person left is the winner.

Lessons Learned From Multiplication Relay Race Game
Daily practice of multiplication facts is essential to success in not only multiplication, but in division, geometry, algebra, and other areas of mathematics. It's important to practice facts in a variety of ways, both written and interactive, to ensure that a child knows how to apply them to life. When a child knows and understands multiplication, it will make more advanced math much simpler to figure out. In addition to the mathematical practice, this game also provides extra physical stimulation and lessons in teamwork.

Have another fun idea? Have you tried the author's idea? Have something else to say? This author welcomes feedback and discussion in the comments section below.

To read more from this author, simply click on her name above the article.

Published by Lyn Lomasi - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Lyn's the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Contact her with community issues & ideas. She's been contributing since 2007 and previously acted as a Community Guide. Read her tips for success... View profile

Free Math Learning Games for Kids: Multiplication Relay Race Game

35 Comments

Yahoo! Voices

Also on Yahoo!

Yahoo! Contributor Network