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Card Games for Elementary Math Lessons

Math games with playing cards are almost always a hit with elementary students. Whereas the students feel as if they are getting a break from the typical lesson plan, the teacher recognizes that this hands-on approach to math is actually strengthening their foundational math skills. Card games are excellent for large and small group activities, because they encourage healthy competition and quick critical thinking. Additionally, students often have playing cards at home, so parents can easily get involved with the learning process once the school day ends.
  1. Go Fish for Teaching Multiples

    • Divide students into groups of two and instruct them to play a practice game of Go Fish so that they can get reacquainted with the rules. After a few minutes of practice, give them this "new" guideline for asking for numbers: the student asks, "Do you have any multiples of 10 (numbers between eight and 20 work best for younger students)?" If the other player has a multiple (one, two, five or 10), then he must give up his cards. If not, "go fish!"

    Cards From a Hat for Fractions

    • Mix up a deck of playing cards (numbered cards only) and put them into a hat. In groups of two, ask students to choose one card each. Designate one student as a "numerator" and the other as a "denominator." Whichever student simplifies the fraction first competes against the next student in line. This continues until only one student remains.

    Creative Blackjack for Addition

    • Divide students into small groups and give each group a deck of cards. Write a number on the board (any number between 21 and 40 works well). Whichever group adds up the values of its cards using the least number of cards wins.

    Creative Blackjack for Subtraction

    • This game is similar to Creative Blackjack for Addition, but the parameters are slightly different. As with Addition, divide students into small groups and give each group a deck of cards. Write a "starting number" (higher than 40) and an "ending number" (lower than 15) on the board. Instruct students to use their cards to find the greatest number of combined values to get from the "starting number" to the "ending number."

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