Children will practice their math facts and quick recall with a game of math facts bingo. Make bingo cards for the students with a different number in each box. Those numbers represent the answers to simple math problems. You will then use a deck of math flash cards instead of just calling out a number. The cards can include addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problems. You will show a card to the class, such as "2 + 2." The students will then solve the problem and then see if they have the correct answer on their own bingo card.
Fast-paced card games get children thinking quickly and practicing their math facts while having fun. Take a standard deck of cards and remove all the face cards from the deck. Then, deal the remaining cards evenly between two students. Before the game begins, let the children know which math operation to use during the game. The students will sit facing each other with their cards face down. At the same time, they will each flip over their top card. They will then call out the answer. The one to call out correctly first wins those two cards. Once finished with the stack, the child with the most cards in his win pile wins.
Board races get children excited, moving around and working as a team. This activity works well with long division problems. Divide the class into two teams. Then, write a different problem on the board for each team. At the board, the first student from each team will solve the first part of their team's problem. They will then go quickly back to their team and tag the next student, who will then race to the board to solve the next step. This will continue until the students have solved the problem and checked the answer. If a student struggles, one other team member may go to the board to assist.
Moving children from one location or activity to another may get a little hectic at times, or you may end up with a few minutes to spare. Use this time to focus the children and practice math facts. Stand at the door to the classroom with the children standing in line. Have each child approach you and show him a flashcard. If she gets the correct answer, she gets to pass through the door. If she gets the answer wrong, she must go to the back of the line.