Math Games for the Elementary Classroom

New teacher's often make the mistake of thinking that only games labeled as educational are worth using the classroom-but it simply isn't so. Many traditional board and card games can be used in the classroom to teach academic skills. Try these games to build math skills in your classroom and your student's will never know learning is the goal.

Chutes and Ladders
For PreK and Early Kindergarten students, Chutes and Ladders is often a favorite. A 2007 study conducted by Geetha B. Ramani and Robert S. Siegler at Carnegie Mellon University revealed that number estimation, numerical magnitude, counting and number identification skills of low-income preschoolers improved significantly after playing linear numerical board games. This board game, similar to the board on Chutes and Ladders, contain "linearly arranged, consecutively numbered, equal-size spaces". A control group used board games identical to the linear number board except squares were varying colors and did not contain numbers. The control group did not show significant gains. To develop numerical understanding in PreK or Early Kindergarten, use linear games with consecutively numbered squares like Chutes and Ladders or Snakes and Ladders.

Trouble
For older children Trouble is an entertaining game that introduces a bit of chance and adds obstacles. Its "pop-o-matic" action keeps kids involved as they work to master the board. Add Trouble to you list of classroom games to provide practice with math skills in a fun and entertaining way.

Dominoes
Traditional dominoes entertain children for hours-but be sure you purchase those with number dots and not new versions with cute little pictures. Encourage children announce their move saying the number the dots represent to build math concepts. Reward students for a game well played by allowing the to make a domino train and watch as the dominoes topple.

Yahtzee
Yahtzee is a fast paced math game that involves reading dice, addition and multiplication-but that's not all it teaches. Kids must evaluate the chances of rolling the dice they need and make decisions based on their knowledge of math concepts. This game can be played by children once they have learned the principles of multiplication and will hold their interest through high school.

Using numerical board games, or games that require mathematical reasoning and calculation, builds your student's math skills while having fun. But, don't rely on traditional games alone-challenge your students to make their own math games and spend an afternoon trying them out.