Create a math game from an empty egg carton that can be used to foster recognition of a variety of math skills. Use a marker to write numbers on the bottom of the cups of an empty egg carton and set two small objects inside the carton; coins, jelly beans or bingo chips, for example. To use the game, players shake the carton, open it up and apply addition, subtraction, multiplication or division to the two numbers the manipulatives inside the carton land on. For instance, if the manipulatives land on the numbers 2 and 4, a player can add, subtract, multiply or divide these two numbers.
Bingo is a game that can be used to promote recognition of a variety of math skills. Print or draw a grid and photocopy it. Insert numbers in each of the squares of the grid, creating bingo cards. Distribute the bingo cards to students, as well as small objects that they can use to mark the numbers on the grid. To use the bingo cards to promote number recognition, simply state numbers and have players mark off the numbers if they have them on their cards. To reinforce recognition of simple math problems, state addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problems and if children have the answer to the problems on their cards, they should mark them off. The first player to mark off a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line wins.
Make a fishing game that can be used to promote recognition of basic math skills. Cut out pictures of fish from construction paper and write math-related information on the back of the fish that you want to encourage instant recognition of, such as individual numbers, digital time or fractions. Punch holes in the top of the fish and insert paper clips into the holes. Make fishing poles by tying yarn around the end of pencils and tie magnets to the opposite end of the yarn. Spread out the fish on the ground and have children catch the fish that illustrate the math skills you state.
To make this math game, all you need is a beach ball and a marker. Blow up a beach ball and write numbers all around the surface of the ball. To play, simply toss the ball and the person who catches it must state the numbers under his hands or add, subtract, multiply or divide the numbers underneath his hands.