To practice addition and subtraction skills, as well as learn to recognize odd and even numbers, play a simple number line game. Supply each player with a number line labeled 0 to 20. Students put a playing piece on the number 10 to start the game. Place a deck of cards with numbers 1 to 9 in the middle of the table. On his turn, a player will draw a card from the deck and determine if the number on the card is odd or even. If the card has an odd number, the player will subtract and move his piece back on the number line, toward the 1, the amount of spaces indicated by the number on the card. If the card is an even number, he will add and move his piece forward, toward 20, the number of spaces shown on the card. When a player reaches lands exactly on either 0 or 20 on his number line, he wins the game.
Create a versatile math game with triangle-shaped cards that are used like dominoes. Cut about 25 equilateral triangles from card stock and divide each triangle into three equal sections. Label each section with a randomly-chosen numeral between 0 and 9. Distribute the triangles evenly among the players. Determine a rule that the children will use when playing the game, such as "Must add up to eight," or "Must have a difference of three." Students place their triangles together so that the sides that touch each other follow the determined rule. Play continues until one player uses all of her triangles
Teach students a version of rummy in which they create equations using a deck of cards that also includes mathematical signs. Make a deck of cards which includes numbers, plus signs, minus signs and equal signs. Deal 10 cards to each player and put the remainder of the deck in the middle of the table, turning the top card face up next to the rest of the deck to create a discard pile. On his turn, a player picks up a card from the deck or the discard pile and attempts to create an equation combining number cards and mathematical signs. For example, 4 + 1 = 5. Once a correct equation is made, the player puts those cards face up on the table and then puts one card in the discard pile. Play continues until one player is out of cards.
In this game, students practice math facts and discover that there are several ways to equal a given total. Provide students with an 11-inch-by-12-inch grid labeled with the numbers two to 12 across the top. A student rolls two dice and determines the total of the two numbers rolled, then writes an equation under the correct number on his grid. For example, when he rolls a four and a five, he will write 4 + 5 = 9 under the nine column on his grid. Continue rolling the dice until one column has been filled. As a class, discuss which numbers fill their columns first and why this happens. Lead students to see that there are more combinations that will equal certain numbers. For example, there is only one way for the dice to total two, but six ways for the total to be seven.