Third Grade Math Games for Addition & Subtraction
Third-grade students will enjoy using hands-on activities to learn about and review essential mathematical skills. These types of games and activities can be extremely beneficial for students of this age. Hands-on activities can help students maintain focus, develop a positive attitude about math and build problem-solving abilities. Students will be more likely to find class engaging and practice basic facts at home to become better competitors.
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Online Math Games
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Online addition and subtraction games build excitement about mathematics. Online math games are made to motivate children of different age levels and various interests. These games will work well in a classroom environment because students can work independently. The instructor is then free to walk around the classroom and monitor progress. Websites such as Kids Numbers and Fun 4 The Brain have a multitude of games that students can choose from. If students work hard they can advance through the many levels. These websites can help students increase their speed and understanding of addition and subtraction. Free online games will build interest in mathematics.
Roll the Dice
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Soft dice can cut down on the noise level for this activity. Give children a hands-on assignment to help motivate them. Begin by dividing the class into groups of three students. Each group should have one set of dice. Tell students that each player should take turns rolling the dice. The student should either subtract the lower number from the higher number or add the two numbers. Explain that the student must say out loud the operation being completed. For example, the student should say, "Five minus three is two" or "Three plus three equals six." If a player does not answer correctly, he is out for that round. The other players should continue playing until there is a winner.
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Wild West Addition Game
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Give students a feeling of the Old West with this game. This exciting game encourages students to use their addition and subtraction skills while solving problems. Pull all of the face cards out of a deck of cards. Ask the girls to sit on one side of the room and the boys on the other. Choose one student from each team to go to the front of the room. Give each player a card and instruct the two students to hold the card against their foreheads without looking at the front of it. The card should be visible to the other students. On the count of three, tell the two students to turn and face the class. The team members will announce the total of the two cards. On another count of three, have the two students turn to face each other. The first person to guess the card on her head based on the other person's card earns a point for her team. The winning team can receive a small reward, such as extra credit on a future test.
Brainy Baseball
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Motivate students with a mathematical baseball game. Take students outside for this fun game. Begin by dividing the class into two teams. Tell students where the home plate and first, second and third bases are. One team should start with the bat, the other in the outfield. Explain that when a person goes to bat, he must answer an addition or subtraction question correctly to run to first base. If the student does not give the correct answer, the team receives a strike. The other team will go to bat after three strikes. If the second student gives the correct answer, that player moves to first base and the student on first base moves to second. Players continue to move around the bases accordingly. When you have played three innings, choose a grand slam question that, if answered correctly, allows the batter and all of the students on the bases to score.
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References
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