Flash cards are a great way of teaching and learning numbers, whether it's addition, subtraction or multiplication. Timing students and counting how many correct answers they have is one way to measure improvement. Also, older students may enjoy competing against one another.
Bingo games can be designed around the very basic components of math and numbers. The students' Bingo boards should include basic number problems or number elements (for example odd, even, prime numbers). The proctor or teacher may then call out basic number problems and ask the students to identify the answer on their Bingo board. The first student to complete a row wins.
Hands-on activities are ideal for younger children who have shorter attention spans and may not prefer competitive activities. Having children count with blocks, coins or candy is a good way to get younger children engaged and learning.
There are many online math activity sites that provide interactive, Internet games for children of all ages. These sites offer effective teaching games because they give children experience with technology. Most children enjoy computer work because it appeals to their interest in video games and television.