I have been working on coming up with some simple math games for my kids to play to help them master basic addition and subtraction facts and number sense concepts. I have also purchased some commercial games that have helped a lot. My students rotate through 3 math centers each day - computer, teacher led group, and math games. Here are some of the things they do at the math game center.

Go Fish w/target sum

Remove all face cards from deck of cards

Each student gets 5 cards (I just chose this at random - I suppose it could be any number)

Put remaining cards in center of group all mixed up

Students lay down pairs of cards that equal the target sum (I use a sum of 10)

Play like regular "go fish" except they are looking for the card that will help them make the target sum

Missing Addends Game

3 player game (or 2 students plus teacher)

Remove all face cards from deck of cards

Put 1/2 of deck in front of each of 2 students. Each draws top card and places on their forehead without looking. Each player can see only the other player's card, not their own.

3rd player (or teacher) calls out sum of 2 cards. 1st one to guess the value of their own card is the winner.

Dice Games

I recently received a grant from the Kids In Need Foundation and used the money to purchase some "Shut the Box" games from Amazon.com very inexpensively (pictured above). My kids love practicing their addition facts using this game!

I also purchased "Dice in Dice" from Lakeshore Learning. These are great for fact practice as well.

Dominoes with target sum

Select a target sum (this may depend on what type of dominoes you are using - for example, double six dominoes might need a smaller target sum than double 9, etc)

Played like regular dominoes except students must match end to end to add up to the target sum.

Dominoes can also be used to practice fact families!

Puzzles:

I have lots of match-up type puzzles from Lakeshore Learning. These are great practice for various concepts.

I also recently purchased the hundred board puzzles pictured above. GREAT for helping kids see the patterns in 100 boards. Definitely an eye opener for me!

Commercial Games:

More ideas:

http://www.mathwire.com/games/addsubgames.html

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