Three Fun Math Games Your Students Will Love

Games are a great way to incorporate learning into the classroom. It’s easier to learn when you’re having fun! Here are three low-prep, fun math games that you can use with your students to practice a variety of math concepts.

Math Game #1: Four Corners

Four Corners is an interactive game that involves critical thinking and collaboration.

What you will need:
large die OR small die on a projector
labels for corners of room (i.e. paper, marker, tape, sticky notes)
music

Here’s how to play:

1. Label the four corners or four designated spots in the classroom with the numbers 1-4.
2. Divide your students into four small groups. Your students will be placed in the four corners of the classroom.
3. Play upbeat or seasonal music to start the game. Students will walk around the classroom while the music is playing. When the music stops playing, students go to the closest corner.
4. Roll a big die in the classroom, or roll a four-sided die on the projector to determine which corner answers the question. For example, if the die lands on number 2, that corner will have the chance to answer the question.
5. Ask students math-related questions. You might choose addition problems, subtraction problems, or any other math-related questions! Give your students some time to answer.
6. If the students in that corner answer the question correctly, they stay in the game. If they don’t answer it correctly, their corner will be eliminated.
7. Continue this same process until you get to the last student. The last student is the winner!

Tips: Give your students a practice round, so they will have an idea of how the game works. Advise your students to walk and not run in the classroom.

Math Game #2: Partner Back to Back Game

The Partner Back to Back Game is a game where students use problem-solving skills and compare their strategies to their partner’s strategy.

What you will need:
whiteboard
dry erase markers

Here’s how to play:

1. Group students into pairs. They should stand with their backs towards each other and each student should have a whiteboard.
2. Next, the teacher will ask a math-related question. Write the problem on the board for the students to see.
3. Give your students time to work on the problem. Once your students have solved their problems, have them hold and hide their whiteboards.
4. After everyone is finished, count down from 5 with your students. When everyone counts to 1, have your students turn to face each other and reveal their answers to one another.
5. Students should compare solutions and show each other how they worked on that math problem. There’s always more than one way to solve a problem!

Tip: After everyone answers, have one or two students volunteer to demonstrate how they solved their math problems. Let your students be the teacher!

Related: Five Games to Practice Multiplication Facts

Math Game #3: Spin and Build a Problem

This game is an excellent way to reinforce addition, subtraction, or multiplication fact fluency. Solving equations with a partner makes it more fun!

What you will need:
spinners
recording sheet
pencil

Here’s how to play:

1. Group students into pairs.
2. Distribute spinners, recording sheets, and pencils.
3. Depending on grade level, determine whether math problems will be addition, subtraction, or multiplication.
4. Students spin two numbers to generate a math problem. For example, if a student spins a 2 and 6 and multiplication is being used as an operation, the student should figure out the answer to 2×6 and record the answer.
5. Then their partner will repeat the same steps.
6. The two partners will repeat this process for several rounds.

Tip: Consider setting a timer for a certain number of minutes.

Looking for more fun math games? Revitalize your math classroom with these ten fun (and free) math games!