This quick game is ideal for repeated uses and is a great time-filler during transition times. The "race the clock" aspect excites students and keeps them motivated. Program small cards with the following saying: "I have ____... Who has ____?" To complete the cards, fill-in the blanks with the targeted math facts. Each card will use a different set of numbers. Start the first card with "I have the first card" and then fill-in the second blank with a desired math problem --- "Who has 2+2?" --- Create a second card by filling-in the first blank with the answer to the previous problem --- "I have 4" --- and the second blank with a new math fact --- "Who has 3+4?" Continue until the deck contains one card for each student. On the last card, replace the "Who has" portion with "The End." Make sure to not repeat any number or problem. The "I have" part of the cards should have a different number on each card.
To play, distribute cards to students. Ask the student with "I have the first card" to start the game by standing up and reading both statements on his card --- "I have the first card... Who has 2+2?" The student whose card holds the answer to the problem should then stand up and read the statements on his card --- "I have 4... Who has 3+4?" The game continues until the last student reads "The end." Collect the cards, shuffle and re-distribute to students. Repeat as many times as desired. Challenge students by timing each round and trying to beat the record.
This game is a great review of all operation math facts --- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Gather students in front of the whiteboard or chalkboard. Write the numbers one through 12 horizontally across the board. Explain to students that the purpose of the game is to "clear the board," or get rid of all the numbers.
Start the game by rolling two large dice in front of the class. Challenge students to think of math problems utilizing the two numbers. For example, if the dice show five and three, the options would be "5+3," "5-3," "5x3," and "5 divided by 3." Pick a student to share a math problem and the answer. Erase the answer from the board. For example, if the student decided on "5+3," erase "8" from the board. Roll the dice again. Challenge students to again use a math problem to eliminate one of the numbers from the board. Continue the game until all numbers have been cleared. Repeat the game as many times as desired. Try to complete the game with as few check marks as possible. For an added challenge for advanced students, roll three dice and allow students to use multiple operations in one problem.
This partner board game requires students to factor numbers one through 30. By factoring, students are strengthening their multiplication and division fact skills. Because of the advanced nature of the math facts, this game is best for upper elementary or middle school students. Create a game board by writing or typing a simple five by six grid of numbers one through 30. Photocopy enough game boards for the class to work in pairs. Model how to play the game by playing against the students. Place a game board on the overhead or document camera as well as a scrap piece of paper. On the paper, create a t-chart to keep score for two teams (teacher vs. students). To start the game, pick a number (25), circle that number using a marker and write that many points on the score chart (under teacher). Tell students they will circle all the factors of that number using a second color (1 and 5). Record those numbers as points on the score chart (under students). Switch roles. Students, as a whole, choose a number to circle using their color of marker (12). Add that number as points to the score chart. You then circle all the factors of that number in your color (1, 3, 4 and 6) and add those numbers to the score chart. Continue until the whole board is circle --- all numbers one through 30. Whoever ends with the most points wins the game. Once students understand the rules of the game, allow them to play in partners. This game encourages strategy and number sense. Students will quickly learn which numbers are good choices and which are not. This lesson is also a great starting point for teaching prime numbers.
Beach Ball Toss is appropriate for all ages. Students will beg to play this game throughout the year. Using a permanent marker, write targeted math problems on sections of two or three inflatable beach balls, depending on the size of the class. Gather the class in a large circle and toss one beach ball to a student. Tell the student to look what math problem is under his right hand and answer it. If desired, ask students to also recite the math problem. For example, if his hand was on "4x5," he would say either, "20" or "4 times 5 equals 20." Allow that student to throw the ball to another student. Continue for several throws and then incorporate a second beach ball. Now there will be two beach balls involved in the game. If desired, add a third beach ball as well. Challenge students to play the game as quickly as possible.