Are you looking for ways to keep up math and STEM learning at home, outside of the classroom?
Math skills are vital in early education, and are extremely important for logical thinking required for multiple school subjects. It’s one of the reasons we teach it alongside coding!
A great alternative to workbooks and flashcards to help kids practice math and build lifelong skills is using fun and interactive math games. Interactive activities not only promote strategic mathematical thinking, but can also serve as pivotal building blocks in your child’s lifelong journey with math.
Check out some of our top online free math games and DIY math games you can try with your kids below!
Online Math Games
There are many websites that offer wide selections of fun math games for kids, for various grade levels. From problem-solving activities and counting games to word problems, multiplication games, and time games, here are some of our favorite educational games!
1. Math Playground
With games aimed at students from 1st grade to 6th grade, Math Playground is a treasure trove of free online math games for kids. There are games focused on specific, grade-wise topics, allowing kids to hone one skill at a time, and build on topics as they master them.
There are also a number of different types of games and accompanying videos, from logic games to story math games and even arcade-style math games.
2. PBS KIDS Math Games
Kids pre-k to 3rd grade can learn about math with their favorite PBS characters. This website is full of cool math games designed to keep kids engaged while learning math skills. And, its completely free!
3. MathGameTime
This is another free website that offers a large selection of games, organized by both grade level and subject. Game levels on this site range from pre-k to middle school.
4. Get the Math
Run by thirteen.org, this website aims to relate concepts from the classroom to the real world. It roots math topics, such as algebra, in the real world.
This site further shows how professionals use math in fields like music, fashion, and video games. Kids then tackle interactive challenges related to those careers.
5. Fun Brain
Similar to other websites with free online games for kids, Fun Brain has games aimed at each grade level, from pre-k all the way to 8th grade.
In addition to the games, there are readings and videos explaining concepts offered, as well as a “Playground” with interactive stories that teach math concepts at various grade levels.
Fun Math Game Apps
There’s an app for everything, and math games for kids are no exception. There’re a number of free and paid apps available on both the App Store and Google Play that help kids learn math while having fun.
We collected a list of some of our favorites — all of them are available for free!
1. Monster Math
In this math game for kids, the student learns basic arithmetic skills while helping Maxx the friendly monster explore, fight enemies, and save his friend Dextra. There is also a multiplayer mode that allows kids to compete with others online as they learn.
This app is leveled from 1st grade to 3rd grade, and is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play.
2. Splash Math
This math app takes a visual learning approach to math concepts for kindergarten to 5th grade. Each grade level has a specific curriculum, and kids work through the exercises at their own pace, reaping virtual rewards.
It’s available for free on the App Store.
3. Kids Math
The main task on this math game app is to pass all eight levels of 10 math questions each. Correct answers win additional time, and the questions are dynamically generated, so kids get new questions every time they play.
This app is for students in 1st grade to 5th grade, and is available for free on Google Play.
4. Moose Math
This math game app is tailored to children ages 3-7. Created by the makers of Khan Academy Kids, this app takes kids on a “mathematical adventure,” based on Common Core State Standards. Parents can monitor progress through a “report card.”
This app is free on the App Store and Google Play.
Easy DIY Math Games
Imaginative DIY math games are a great, inexpensive, way to channel antsy energy into productive, educational practice. There are a number of different ways you can create a fun math game.
Here are some ideas for games that can be tailored to use a variety of math concepts.
1. Math Twister
Some simple modifications to the classic game Twister can make it a great tool to practice mental math and reinforce arithmetic skills. Using post-it notes, assign different numerical answers to different colors.
Spin the wheel, and give the players a math problem where the answer matches the color that you spun! Test multiple math concepts by having the body part the spinner lands on decide what kind of math problem is given.
2. Multiplication Touch
This game is a cross between Scrabble and a multiplication table. Each player draws tiles with answers and has to fit them onto the grid in the correct location, but you must place a tile adjacent to an existing tile.
This game can be modified to work for any mathematical operation that can be expressed in a grid.
3. Math Tic Tac Toe
Have each square in the 3×3 grid have a math problem. The players take turns picking a square and answering the question inside. If they get the answer right, they place their X or O in that square.
If they get it wrong, they don’t put anything in the square. The first player to get three Xs or Os in a row wins.
4. Math Board Game Race
You can incorporate math into any board games your kids enjoy by creating a bank of questions, and picking a question depending on what number they roll on the dice.
They have to correctly answer the question in order to move forward!
Need math help, or just want to get ahead?
While games are a great way to practice math while having fun with family, learning new topics is best done with a live math instructor.
An experienced teacher or instructor can match up to their student’s unique learning pace, style, and even interests! When newer topics take a while for a student to grasp, our expertly trained instructors will make sure to slow down and guide your child through it.
Private and Group Online Math Classes for Kids
Juni Mathematics is built for middle and high schoolers who want to reinforce their skills and get ahead in mathematics. We currently offer private and group courses in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry, with courses Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus & Trigonometry, and AP Calculus on the way!
Read more about our math courses and curriculum, or get started with our Admissions Team to learn which course is best for your child’s math journey.
This article originally appeared on junilearning.com.