Math Websites for Elementary Students

Math has received an unfair reputation for being the 'difficult' subject in school when really everyone is at least good at one or more mathematical skills. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers is computation but by no means encompasses the entire discipline. The overall concept explored in mathematics is patterns. Children tend to recognize patterns in their early developmental years. Noticing, completing, and designing configurations is math. Whether it is done with numbers, shapes, or symbols does not matter. The best math websites for children allow them to freely explore the concept of patterns developing a comfort level with the subject necessary for advanced applications.

Any Google search of math websites will result in a plethora of choices. More often than not, the suggested sites are busy and full of advertisements. To avoid over and irrelevant stimulation, try out the sites listed below.

Young Investor - Let's begin with money because as we know children are all too familiar with cash and coins. As youngsters, they eagerly drop coins into piggy banks. For special occasions, they sometimes receive bills. Maybe the bills go into the piggy bank or a real bank. When children are older and take on chores, they receive an allowance. Teaching fiscal responsibility is math and can be done in a fun way at Young Investor. The site has options for kids, teens, parents, and teachers. Play by planning, investing, and earning all while gaining valuable math and life skills.

A Mathematics Fantasy - Move on to a site that involves a story. There is nothing like a good narrative to explain a concept and motivate children. The tale begins with a successful person entering a classroom. He is in need of assistance and willing to pay handsomely for help. The helper has two payment options. Graphs then depict which choice is better. Follow-up links are provided at the bottom of the email as well as teachers' notes, questions, and additional lessons.

The Department of the Treasury for Kids - A beneficial site not only because of its favorable design features but also its links to other governmental agencies. Three of the six websites available are math related. At The United States Mint, children can select from games, cartoons, time machine, coin news, and camp coin. After learning about the history and use of coins, children can visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Eight options of fun and games are presented some of which are in PDF so children can print them and play with their peers. Now journey on to the USA.gov link and select Grades K-5. Then, choose the math option. There are six links covering activities, such as codes, comparisons, statistics, news, animations, and measurement. Beneath that section are six more additional recommendations including Ask Dr. Math, BrainPOP Math, Countdown, Education Place for Students, Math Challenges for Families and StudyJams.

Interactivate - Choices are appealing to children, so definitely check out this website containing 149 items covering topics like number and operations, geometry, algebra, probability, and statistics. Within number and operations, children can practice estimating, comparing, computing, and fractions. Geometry provides opportunities to learn about angles, area, perimeter, and telling time. The algebra sections offers graphs and equations to solve. For probability practice, use the spinner, coin toss, and dice games. In the statistics part, stem and leaf, line, and bar graphs aid in understanding this concept.

Webmath - At Webmath, options ranging from kindergarten to adults are available. Select the K-8 tab for relevant activities. Choices include number basics, fractions, ratios, and other stuff like time and measuring systems. While all the other recommended websites address math concepts, this site provides the most computation practice. Besides basic computation, children can also explore in depth place value (crucial) and rounding.

Multidisciplinary websites may be more appealing for children apprehensive about math or especially interested in another subject area. Some options appropriate for elementary school children are as follows. At National Geographic for Kids, search for Math Time, Wicked Weather, Martin Luther King, Snake Safari, and Roller Coaster, or simply Math. Online education video games can be found at 4kids.org and cover various types of computations. The National Institute of Environmental Health Science Kids' Pages has a games and activities section containing puzzles and optical illusions. FunBrain's Flash Arcades presents one area on math in which activities can be narrowed down by grade level.

Whether the site directly or indirectly focuses on math, children are bound to enjoy using technology. Technology is an integral part of everyday society. Children are familiar with technology and will be comfortable practicing mathematical skills at their own pace online in an interactive manner.