Practical aspects when it comes to doing math games in the classroom
Introducing board games as a math teaching tool can be a game-changer, but also challenging. In the dynamic setting of a classroom, where students with diverse learning styles come together choosing games that cater to everyone is not always easy. To make sure every student is involved and engaged you need games that either allow all students to participate simultaneously in one game or are affordable enough to be used in smaller groups parallel.
Having said that you want games that are short to play and are either
scalable: work with 20+ people if everyone is participating in the same game
or cheap: if you give the same game to 8 groups in your class simultaneously you are surely better off with ones that require only one dice for each group than something that costs much
And guess what? The ones we'll talk about here are just like this.
Two type of situations in the school
Beyond the above mentioned stuff, it's worth taking into consideration when the math game activity is done in the school setting:
Games During Class
Games that align closely with the curriculum, focusing on reinforcing math concepts and skills. These games should encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of mathematical principles in a fun, interactive setting. Examples include math puzzles, strategy games that require mathematical reasoning, and games incorporating arithmetic operations. Average play time can usually be 20-30 minutes as it's also necessary to talk about the instructions.
Games in Recess
We suggest games designed to relax and unite students, emphasizing group cohesion and fun over direct educational content. These games should be easy to set up and play, fostering social interaction and teamwork, while subtly reinforcing mathematical thinking. Examples could include pattern recognition games, simple probability games, or activities that require students to estimate and measure.
Absolute Zero
Players aim to combine their cards to get as close to zero as possible. They can add, subtract, multiply, or divide using the cards in their hand, playing either competitively or cooperatively to reach zero.
8+ yrs
5-10 min
1+ player
Develops: calculation, addition and subtraction, number system, logical thinking
1. Absolute Zero
Gameplay Instruction: Players aim to combine their cards to get as close to zero as possible. They can add, subtract, multiply, or divide using the cards in their hand, playing either competitively or cooperatively to reach zero.
Tools Required: Card game in a box.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), strategy, and understanding of positive and negative numbers.
2. Balance Beans
Gameplay Instruction: Players place beans on the seesaw in such a way that it balances. It starts with a set-up card that shows where to place some of the beans, and players figure out where to place the remaining beans to balance the seesaw.
Tools Required: Balance Beans game set including a balance tray and bean pieces.
Ideal Number of Players: Solo play or can be solved in groups for discussion.
Math Skills: Basic algebra, understanding of balance and weight, problem-solving.
3. Blokus
Gameplay Instruction: Players take turns placing their colored pieces on the board, starting from their corner. Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners. The goal is to place as many pieces on the board as possible while blocking others from doing so.
Tools Required: Blokus board game set.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Spatial reasoning, geometric concepts, strategy, and planning.
4. Chocolate Fix
Gameplay Instruction: Using clues, players arrange various pieces of chocolates (by shape and color) into a specified pattern on the tray. It requires logical deduction to solve the puzzles provided in the challenge booklet.
Tools Required: Chocolate Fix game set including a game tray, colored chocolate pieces, and challenge booklet.
Ideal Number of Players: Solo play.
Math Skills: Logic, pattern recognition, sequencing, and problem-solving.
5. City of Zombies
Gameplay Instruction: Players work together to defend their city from a zombie invasion, using math to defeat zombies. Each zombie has a number, and players must use math operations to match that number with dice rolls to defeat them.
Tools Required: City of Zombies board game set including dice, game board, and zombie cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-6 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic, critical thinking, cooperative strategy.
6. Dino Math Tracks
Gameplay Instruction: Players race their dinosaurs around the track by solving math problems. Questions adjust in difficulty, involving counting, addition, subtraction, and place value.
Tools Required: Dino Math Tracks game set including game board, dinosaur pieces, and dice.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Counting, addition, subtraction, place value understanding.
7. Equate: The Equation Thinking Game
Gameplay Instruction: Similar to Scrabble but with numbers and symbols. Players build equations on the board horizontally or vertically, aiming to score high by using complex equations or placing tiles on premium squares.
Tools Required: Equate game set including tiles with numbers and mathematical symbols, and the game board.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic, algebra, strategic planning.
8. Fraction Formula
Gameplay Instruction: Players draw a card and find fraction tiles to add to their cylinder to match the fraction on the card. The goal is to get as close to 1 whole without going over.
Tools Required: Fraction Formula game set including fraction tiles, cylinders, and cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Understanding of fractions, addition of fractions, estimation.
9. Ganz Schön Clever
Gameplay Instruction: Players roll dice and choose which to use to mark off spaces on their scoring track, with different sections of the track providing various ways to score points. The goal is to strategize the use of dice rolls to maximize points.
Tools Required: Dice game in a box including score sheets and dice.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-4 players.
Math Skills: Probability, strategic planning, addition.
10. Head Full of Numbers
Gameplay Instruction: Players shake the dice cup filled with dice then flip the timer to write as many math equations as possible using the numbers shown. Equations can include any math operations.
Tools Required: Head Full of Numbers game set including dice, a timer, and dice cup.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, speed, and creative mathematical thinking.
11. Logic Roots Addition and Subtraction Games
Gameplay Instruction: These games often involve solving addition and subtraction problems to progress in a board game format. Specific rules can vary based on the particular game chosen from the Logic Roots series, but generally, players answer math questions to move forward.
Tools Required: Specific game set from the Logic Roots series, including game board, cards, and/or dice, depending on the game.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players, though some games may allow for individual play.
Math Skills: Addition and subtraction, number sense, and problem-solving.
12. Make 7
Gameplay Instruction: Players take turns dropping colored discs into a grid, aiming to be the first to align three pieces that sum up to seven either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
Tools Required: Make 7 game set including the grid and colored discs.
Ideal Number of Players: 2 players.
Math Skills: Addition, strategy, spatial awareness.
13. Mammoth Maths
Gameplay Instruction: Players answer math questions across various categories to earn pieces of a mammoth puzzle. The first to complete their mammoth wins. The game can include questions on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and more.
Tools Required: Mammoth Maths game set, including cards with math questions and mammoth puzzle pieces.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Broad arithmetic skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
14. Mastermind
Gameplay Instruction: One player sets a secret code of colored pegs, and the other player(s) have a set number of turns to guess the code. After each guess, the code setter gives feedback indicating the number of correct color pegs in the correct and incorrect positions.
Tools Required: Mastermind game set including the game board, colored pegs for setting and guessing the code, and pegs for feedback.
Ideal Number of Players: 2 players.
Math Skills: Logic, pattern recognition, deductive reasoning.
15. Math Bingo
Gameplay Instruction: Similar to traditional Bingo, but players solve math problems to determine which numbers to cover on their Bingo card. The first player to form a specified pattern (line, full card, etc.) wins.
Tools Required: Math Bingo game set or homemade Bingo cards with math problems, markers/chips to cover numbers.
Ideal Number of Players: Any number of players can participate.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, quick thinking, and concentration.
16. Math Dice Chase
Gameplay Instruction: Players are in teams and roll pairs of 12-sided dice. They quickly multiply the numbers rolled and pass the dice. If a team gets caught with both pairs of dice, they're out. The game continues until one team remains.
Tools Required: Two pairs of 12-sided dice.
Ideal Number of Players: 4+ players (in teams).
Math Skills: Multiplication speed and accuracy, quick reflexes.
17. Math Fluxx
Gameplay Instruction: A card game where the rules and goals change based on the cards played. Players use number and action cards to manipulate their hand and the play area to meet the current goal, which involves solving math problems or creating specific number combinations.
Tools Required: Math Fluxx card game set.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic, flexibility in thinking, strategic planning.
18. Math for Love Multiplication by Heart
Gameplay Instruction: A card-based game designed to help students memorize multiplication tables through patterns and visual representations rather than rote memorization.
Tools Required: Multiplication by Heart card set.
Ideal Number of Players: Solo play or small groups for collaborative learning.
Math Skills: Multiplication tables, pattern recognition.
19. Math Rush
Gameplay Instruction: A cooperative card game where players work against a timer to solve math problems together. Cards represent different math operations and numbers, and players must sequence cards in ascending or descending order based on the operation shown.
Tools Required: Math Rush game set including cards and timer.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-5 players.
Math Skills: Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), teamwork, and time management.
20. Math Warriors
Gameplay Instruction: Players use math problems to battle opponents on a game board. Each player has warrior pieces with different strengths, and solving math problems successfully powers up the warriors for attack or defense.
Tools Required: Math Warriors game set including game board, warrior pieces, and math problem cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic, strategic thinking, problem-solving.
21. Mathable
Gameplay Instruction: Players draw tiles with numbers and operators to create valid math equations on the game board, similar to playing Scrabble but with numbers. The goal is to score the most points by making equations.
Tools Required: Mathable game set including game board, tiles with numbers and mathematical operators.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, strategic thinking, equation building.
22. Mobi
Gameplay Instruction: Players use numerical tiles to create crossword-style grid of math equations as quickly as possible. The first player to use all their tiles wins. The game can be played in various modes to include basic arithmetic or more complex math.
Tools Required: Mobi game set including numerical tiles and operation tiles in a whale-shaped pouch.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-6 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic, speed, pattern recognition, spatial awareness.
23. Möbi Numerical Tile Game
Gameplay Instruction: Similar to Mobi, players use tiles to create a continuous network of math equations in a crossword-style formation. The aim is to be the first to use all your tiles by forming valid arithmetic equations.
Tools Required: Möbi Numerical Tile Game set including numerical and operation tiles.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-4 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, spatial thinking, quick problem-solving.
24. Monster Math Scale
Gameplay Instruction: A hands-on game where players add or remove weighted numbers (monsters) from a scale to balance equations. The goal is to understand the balance of equations visually and numerically.
Tools Required: Monster Math Scale set including a balancing scale, weighted number monsters, and equation cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-4 players.
Math Skills: Understanding of equations, addition and subtraction, balance concept.
25. Money Bags Coin Value Game
Gameplay Instruction: Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line. They earn money based on the space they land on and the roll of the die, with different rules for collecting coins to teach making change.
Tools Required: Money Bags Coin Value Game set including a game board, play money, and dice.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Coin recognition and value, counting money, making change.
26. Multiplication Bingo
Gameplay Instruction: Like traditional Bingo, but with a multiplication twist. Players solve multiplication problems to mark off spaces on their bingo card. The first to get five in a row wins.
Tools Required: Multiplication Bingo set including bingo cards, multiplication problem cards, and markers.
Ideal Number of Players: Any number of players can be accommodated.
Math Skills: Multiplication tables, quick recall of multiplication facts.
27. Number Ninjas
Gameplay Instruction: Players navigate their ninja through a series of math challenges on a quest to collect golden coins. The game combines physical board game play with math problems to solve along the way.
Tools Required: Number Ninjas game set including a game board, ninja figures, dice, and math challenge cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Varied arithmetic operations, problem-solving, strategic planning.
28. Numbers League
Gameplay Instruction: Superheroes battle villains using math! Players combine hero cards with different powers to create a superhero team with a total power that matches or exceeds the villain's strength.
Tools Required: Numbers League game set including hero cards, villain cards, and power-boosting cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Addition, subtraction, simple multiplication, and strategic combination of numbers.
29. Pizza Fraction Fun Game
Gameplay Instruction: Players work with pizzas cut into various fractions to fulfill customer orders or to match fraction equivalencies. The game can be played in several different modes, focusing on fraction identification, equivalence, or addition.
Tools Required: Pizza Fraction Fun Game set including pizza fraction pieces and game spinner.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Fraction recognition, equivalence, addition of fractions, comparing fractions.
30. Prime Climb
Gameplay Instruction: A beautiful, colorful board game that helps players understand prime numbers, multiplication, and division. Players roll dice and move their pawns, adding or multiplying numbers to reach the center of the board.
Tools Required: Prime Climb game set including the game board, dice, and pawns.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Prime numbers, multiplication, division, strategy.
31. Proof! Math Game
Gameplay Instruction: Players race against each other to create equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or square roots with the numbers available on the table from the dealt cards.
Tools Required: Proof! Math Game set including number cards.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Mental math, arithmetic operations, quick thinking, and problem-solving.
32. Qwirkle Numbers
Gameplay Instruction: Similar to the original Qwirkle, but with numbers. Players match tiles based on either color or number to create lines. Points are scored based on the tiles laid and completing sets of numbers or colors.
Tools Required: Qwirkle Numbers game set including tiles with numbers in various colors.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Pattern recognition, sequencing, strategy.
33. Race to Infinity
Gameplay Instruction: Players navigate a board filled with mathematical challenges, racing to be the first to reach the 'infinity' space. Along the way, players solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Tools Required: Race to Infinity game set including game board, dice, and player pieces.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, problem-solving, strategic thinking.
34. Sequence Numbers
Gameplay Instruction: A numerical twist on the classic Sequence game. Players play cards from their hand and place a chip on the corresponding space on the game board. The goal is to form sequences of five chips in a row.
Tools Required: Sequence Numbers game set including game board, cards, and chips.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-6 players.
Math Skills: Number sequencing, strategy, and planning.
35. Smath
Gameplay Instruction: Players use tiles to create crosswords of mathematical equations on the game board. Points are scored based on the complexity of the equations and the use of high-value operation tiles.
Tools Required: Smath game set including game board, number and operation tiles.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, equation construction, strategic planning.
36. Sudoku Board Game
Gameplay Instruction: This board game adaptation of Sudoku involves filling a grid with numbers so that each column, row, and subgrid contains all the digits from 1 to 9. The game can be played solitaire or competitively by timing solves or taking turns to solve sections.
Tools Required: Sudoku Board Game set including a game board and number tiles.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-4 players.
Math Skills: Logic, problem-solving, pattern recognition.
37. Sum Swamp
Gameplay Instruction: As players navigate through a swamp-themed board, they solve addition and subtraction problems to move forward. The first to escape the swamp wins.
Tools Required: Sum Swamp game set including game board, dice (with numbers and operations), and player pieces.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Addition and subtraction, number sense.
38. Sums in Space
Gameplay Instruction: An outer space adventure where players solve arithmetic problems to navigate through galaxies and reach Earth. Includes challenges with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Tools Required: Sums in Space game set including game board, dice, and player spacecraft.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Arithmetic operations, critical thinking.
39. The Genius Square
Gameplay Instruction: Each player receives a Genius Square grid and a set of geometric blocks. Roll the dice to determine the positions of blockers on the grid, then race to fill in the remaining space with the geometric pieces.
Tools Required: The Genius Square game set including game boards, dice, blocker pieces, and geometric blocks.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-2 players.
Math Skills: Spatial awareness, problem-solving, geometry.
40. The Magic Labyrinth
Gameplay Instruction: Players navigate their pawn through an invisible maze to collect magic symbols. If you bump into an invisible wall, you start over. Memory and deduction help in figuring out the correct path.
Tools Required: The Magic Labyrinth game set including a game board with a hidden maze, magnetic pawns, and balls that fit into a groove underneath the maze.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-4 players.
Math Skills: Memory, spatial reasoning, deduction.
41. Tipover
Gameplay Instruction: Starting with a setup of colored crates, players tip over crates to create a path for their Tipper Man to reach the red crate, solving increasingly difficult challenges.
Tools Required: Tipover game set including crates, Tipper Man, and challenge cards.
Ideal Number of Players: Solo play.
Math Skills: Critical thinking, spatial reasoning, planning.
42. Tiny Polka Dot
Gameplay Instruction: Designed for younger children, this game consists of mini-games that use colorful, polka-dotted cards to introduce and practice math concepts like counting, number recognition, and simple operations.
Tools Required: Tiny Polka Dot game set including cards with polka dots in various arrangements and colors.
Ideal Number of Players: 1-6 players.
Math Skills: Counting, number recognition, early arithmetic.
43. Zeus on the Loose
Gameplay Instruction: Players take turns playing cards to increase the total on the table to exactly 100 to capture Zeus. Cards represent different Greek gods with special abilities that affect the gameplay.
Tools Required: Zeus on the Loose game set including cards and a Zeus figurine.
Ideal Number of Players: 2-5 players.
Math Skills: Addition, counting to 100, strategic thinking.