Math learning games are a fun and effective way to reinforce math concepts and skills in children. They stimulate logical reasoning, memory, attention and creativity. In this way, they also encourage motivation and interest in mathematics, making it a fun challenge.

The importance of learning through play

Learning through play is a form of education that takes advantage of children's natural interest in play to facilitate their cognitive, emotional and social development. Play stimulates children's curiosity, creativity, imagination and expression. At the same time, it allows them to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes in a meaningful and didactic way. It also promotes self-esteem, autonomy, cooperation and respect for others. For these reasons, it is important for parents and educators to encourage play as a pedagogical tool that contributes to the overall well-being of children. 

There are many types of games to learn mathematics that can be adapted to the level and needs of each child, and can be practiced both at home and in the classroom. Some of these games are:

Addition and subtraction game

The object of the game is to create simple additions and subtractions with and then solve them correctly. For example, you can put one card with the number 5 and another with the number 3, and underneath a card with the subtraction sign (5 - 3 = 2). The children must say the result of the subtraction to earn a point or advance on a board. The difficulty of the game can be varied by using larger numbers or by combining different mathematical operations. This game helps develop children's mental calculation, logic and concentration in a competitive way.

And if you notice that your child is having a hard time with math, they can always learn addition and subtraction in an easy way. In our blog you will find how to do it.

Odd and even numbers game

To create this game, all you need is some cardboard or paper cards and a marker. Write an odd or even number on each card, then mix the cards and place them face down on a table. The object of the game is for the children to take turns turning the cards over and separating them into two piles: one with the even numbers and one with the odd numbers. To find out if a number is odd or even, they can use different strategies such as dividing it by two, looking at the last digit or counting by twos. The game ends when all the numbers are sorted correctly.

Number sequences game

It consists of creating a sequence of numbers that follows a pattern or rule and then removing a number from the series. Children must guess which number is missing in the series, using logic and reasoning. This game is a fun and challenging way to practice number skills and stimulate the brain.

Bingo game

It consists of creating Bingo cards with numbers from 1 to 100 and distributing them among the children, in the game cards with mathematical operations are drawn. The children must solve the operation and look for the result on their cards. If they have it, they mark it with an index card or a pencil. The first one to complete a row, a column or a whole card must shout "Bingo". This game helps to review the four basic operations in a playful and motivating way. It also promotes mental arithmetic, attention and memory. 

Numerical memory game

A number memory game helps children improve their concentration and their ability to recognize numbers. It consists of placing a series of number cards face down on a table or the floor and having the children pick them up two by two to find pairs of matching numbers. If the cards they pick up do not match, they must put them back face down in the same place and keep looking. The game ends when all the pairs of numbers have been found. 

Numerical mazes game

The objective is to create a maze in which the children must advance through the squares following the instructions of the game. For example, if the instruction says "add 3", the child must find a square that has a number 3 larger than the square he/she is in. If it says "subtract 2", the child must look for a square that has a smaller number 2. In this way, the child must solve the maze until he reaches the exit. This game stimulates children's logical-mathematical reasoning and mental agility.

Dice game

You need a pair of dice and a board with numbered squares. Each player rolls the dice and chooses whether to add, subtract or multiply the numbers that come up. He then looks for the square that has the result of his operation and places a chip on it. The goal is to cover as many squares as possible before the chips run out.

Numerical racing game

The game consists of creating an obstacle course in which children must answer mathematical questions to advance. For example, you can put up a poster with an operation and two answer options, the child must choose the correct option to advance. If he makes a mistake, he must go back to the beginning or ask another question. This game stimulates mental calculation, logic and motor skills.

Number guessing game

It consists of creating mathematical riddles for children to guess the number you are thinking of. The important thing is that the riddles are clear, original and appropriate to the level of the children.

Numerical puzzle game

It consists of creating a puzzle with pieces that have numbers or symbols and that when put together form an equation. For example, you can make a puzzle with four pieces that have the numbers 2, 3, 6 and the multiplication sign. When put together correctly, you get the operation 2 x 3 = 4. 

Numerical balance game 

This game is based on placing numbers on both sides of a scale and having the children find the operation that must be performed to make both sides equal. For example, if on one side there is a 6 and on the other a 2 and a 4, children must deduce that the operation is 6 = 2 + 4. This game helps develop logical-mathematical reasoning and understanding of the properties of operations.

Game to identify geometric figures

To create this game you need a series of cards with different geometric figures, the idea is to mix the cards and place them face down on a table or the floor with the objective that the children turn over a card and say the name of the geometric figure they see. If they get it right, they keep the card and the winner is the one with the most cards at the end.

Object counting game

This activity helps them to develop their number sense and attention. You create a series of cards with different numbers that you want to practice. For example, you can make one card with a sun, another with two flowers, another with three butterflies, etc. When the cards are mixed up, the children are asked to count the elements aloud. 

Learn the hours of the clock

A fun way to learn the time on the clock is with a clock with hands that can be moved. You can play at adding and subtracting the hours by moving the hands forward or backward, practice with different times and you will see how your clock reading skills improve.

We suggest you try an kids analog watch from Kiddus. You can try one of our favorite watches

And if you have a little girl, nothing beats a glitter clock for learning about addition and subtraction in style.

Game to measure objects

It helps them develop their sense of space, mathematical reasoning and vocabulary. To create this game, you can use objects you have at home, such as toys, books, fruits or kitchen utensils, the important thing is that they are easy to measure and have varied measurements.

To prepare for the game, cut out some cards and write the name of an object on each one. Distribute the cards among the children and ask them to look for the corresponding object and once they find it, they should measure it with the ruler or tape measure and write the measurement on the card.  When all the children have finished measuring their objects, you can do a collective review and compare the measurements. You can ask them which object is bigger or smaller, so you can reinforce their knowledge and stimulate their curiosity.

Conclusion

Learning mathematics through games is a fun and effective way to develop numerical and logical skills. Games stimulate students' interest, motivation and reasoning, while allowing them to practice and reinforce concepts learned. In addition, games encourage cooperation, communication and creativity among participants. For these reasons, learning mathematics through games is a didactic strategy that benefits both students and teachers.

Remember that it is not only important to know mathematics, the child must also know language practices, that is to say, he/she must understand and analyze what he/she reads. If you don't know how to teach to read a child, check out our blog.

Here are 10  best short stories to practice reading.