Prepare a deck of 20 playing cards, each having a number on it between zero and 10, which students in primary grades will use to play addition or subtraction Concentration. Cards are laid face down, then each player turns over two at a time looking for combinations that add up to 10. Correct combinations are collected, while incorrect ones are turned back over for the next player. Once all of the combinations are found, students write equations from their pairs. The person with the most correct equations wins. As a variation, students can look for combinations that can be subtracted to equal one.
Use a 100 chart to help primary grade students understand the base 10 number system. This grid of 100 numbered squares (10 columns and 10 rows) can be printed from an online source or created by hand. For this game, all players start with markers on the number one. The first player rolls two dice and adds the numbers, then moves his marker one space for each number as he moves toward 100. The next player then takes a turn. The first player to reach 100 wins. As a child's skills increase, replace conventional dice with multi-sided dice, add another 100 chart, and play "Hop to 200." As the numbers increase, help children see how they can move 10 squares at a time simply by moving their markers down rather than counting each square individually.
Label the bottom cups of the inside of an egg carton with the numbers zero through 12. Or, label them with zero through 10 with either two free spaces or two numbers repeated. Place two dried beans in the carton and close it. Shake it, then open it up. Primary grade children should add or subtract the two numbers, then write the correct equation for their work. Intermediate grade children should multiply the two numbers and write an equation.
There are a plethora of free math games online for primary, intermediate, middle school and high school students. These offer the advantage of being highly motivating to the digital-age child. Another advantage is the ability to isolate certain skills that the struggling student needs to work on. When looking for appropriate games, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommends those that promote deeper understanding in a meaningful way. In addition, the Council suggests using games that provide immediate feedback as children play.