Four Interactive Math Games and Activities in the Classroom

Teachers utilize all the possible tools to make Math easier to understand. Activities such as games make this subject more kid-friendly and get rid of the misconception that Math is boring and complex.

Sheldon Jones, the Public Relations Manager of Verizon Wireless, wrote that fusing math into a game-based type of learning increases the enthusiasm among learners. “By turning math lessons into games, students apply more energy and motivation, as a result, are more successful,” said Jones.

If you want to make a fun learning environment for Math class, here are some interactive activities you can try.

Jump Rope Math

Jump Rope Math is an activity that reinforces basic ordering skills, which are applicable for all grade levels. The game requires the use of long skipping ropes, index cards with simple math facts, and large supply of clothespins. You need to arrange your students into groups of four, and provide each assembly with one rope, clothespins, and the index cards.
On your signal, instruct your learners to draw the index cards, and line them up on the rope in correct order. If the order is correct, one team member takes a giant step towards the finish line, and put down the clothespin where he stands. Get another set of cards and continue the game, until all members have successfully reached the finish line.

Hula Hoop Math

Aside from basic arithmetic concepts, Hula Hoop Math combines work and play, allowing your students to develop locomotor skills and group cooperation. To play the game, you need to scatter hoops all over the classroom or in the play area, where you’ll prompt students to get one for themselves. While playing interactive music, encourage the pupils to play with the hoops, move around the area, and dance.

Once the music stops, pull an index card, which contains simple equations to solve. For example, pull a card with “3X2=?”. To show the correct answer, the students must assemble into groups of six inside one hula hoop. For other variations, you can incorporate the idea of colors and increase the difficulty of the equations. For example, instruct them to give the answer by grouping in the blue hoop.

How Long? How Many?

Perfect for grades 3-5, this game develops a learner’s ability to strategize. The activity involves two players, allowing them to learn multiplication in a geometric context. The main objective of the game is to create rectangular lines of Cuisenaire Rods, which are placed on a 10×10 cm grid.

On your cue, instruct a player to roll the dice twice, which will select the right Cuisenaire Rods to use. Since the dice is rolled twice, the first indicates how long, while the second states how many. Once the rods are placed in a rectangular fashion, instruct them to place it on the grid, trace it, and write the multiplication sentence inside. The game reaches its end when there’s no more room left in the grid for the student to place a rectangle.

Pi Day Celebration

Most educators are now gearing up for Pi Day, which will take place on March 14. It honors of the value of Pi (3.14), which also marks the birthday of Albert Einstein, making the day more commemorative for planning fun math challenges. When this day comes, you can play with your kids a Pi Day version of “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” and “Jeopardy”, or conduct a Pi Day Scavenger Hunt.

It’s nice to get outside and enjoy the subject through physical activities. Which of these games do you find most exciting? Share your thoughts below.

About the Author

Dennis Redley has a passion for teaching. He visits websites like Apple, Verizon, and parents.com to find the latest educational apps for his iPad. Feel free to follow him on Twitter: @dredleyone