How to Create a Math Game

Math games are both fun and educational.

Math is a subject that often requires repeated practice. Because motivating students to practice math problems can be a challenge, using math games in the classroom can improve students' academic performance. Before using a math game, teachers should always provide direct instruction about the math concepts that will be used in the game. Math games can engage students who struggle with math and can also build a community of math-loving students.

Instructions

1. Decide which concept to teach with the game. Take into consideration the grade-level, maturity and ability of your students. Math games work best for teaching basic concepts, as more complex concepts make games more confusing than they are helpful. Concepts that are often taught using games are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions or estimation.

2. Use the math concept's real-world application to develop your game. The best math games teach authentic uses of the concept. For example, make a math game that involves a pretend store if you are teaching multiplication. When students are using the concept in the same way that they will outside of school, they better understand why the concept is important to know.

3. Use children's literature about math as a resource. Using literacy to teach math helps students who are better with language than numbers to learn the math concepts. Books also provide images, characters and word problems that can be used to construct a math game. Math-related children's books that can be quite helpful are "Mouse Count" by Ellen Stoll Walsh or "Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream" by Cindy Neuschwander.

4. Write rules for the game using clear language that your students will understand. Written rules can help you remember the game from year to year and also help students remember how to play it. Make sure that your rules tell the students what to do in each step of the game and that they also state the objective of the game. By providing rules you are able to circumvent arguments between students about how the game is played. In addition, students are able to practice reading for information while they read the game's rules.

5. Make and purchase materials for the game. Most math games require some materials. Commonly used items such as playing cards, dice and poker chips can be found at most game or toy stores. If using paper as a material, be sure to laminate it or it will not likely survive the school year.

6. Play the game with another adult. Before teaching the game to your class, teach it to a friend to look for anything that is confusing or needs tweaking. This allows you to avoid last minute changes and adaptations to the game that can confuse students.

Tips & Warnings

• If using children's literature as inspiration for your game, read the book to the class before introducing the game. This hooks students, introduces them to the concept and generates excitement.

References

• Math and Reading Help: How To Make Math Games
• National Association for the Education of Young Children: Developing Math Games Based on Children's Literature