Thinking Thursday: 2-D Nim

Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

Writing to Learn Math: Games are the ultimate re-playable activity prompts.

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: 2-D Nim

Math Game Monday: Tax Collector

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game makes children think about multiplication and notice how prime numbers are special.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Tax Collector

Math Concepts: multiplication, prime numbers, factors and multiples.

Players: two or more players or two teams.

Equipment: blank paper or a printed hundred chart, pencils or markers. Calculator optional.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Tax Collector

Make Your Own Nim Games

tower of rocks on a beach

Nim is a pure strategy game for two players. On each turn, players remove an option until finally no choice remains.

Game options might include:

  • How many stones to take from a pile.
  • Which position to claim on a gameboard.
  • How far to count in a given sequence.

The rules can vary at the players’ whim (as long as both players agree). How many possibilities do you start with, what are the rules for removing options, and how do you win or lose the game? Everything is open to change. And with every tweak, players must reanalyze their strategy.

Continue reading Make Your Own Nim Games

Math Game Monday: Greater Than

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game helps students make sense of those confusing rules about multiplication with inequalities.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Greater Than

Math Concepts: integer addition, integer multiplication, working with inequalities.

Players: two players or two teams.

Equipment: printed gameboard or sheet of paper, one deck of playing cards, pencils or markers.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Greater Than

Math Game Monday: Dominoes

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This classic family game is a great way to play with numbers and logical strategy.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Dominoes

Math Concepts: subitizing dot patterns, thinking ahead.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: one set of double-six or double-nine dominoes, or two sets for five or more players.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Dominoes

Math Game Monday: Double Digit

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game pushes students to think more deeply about the meaning of place value.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Double Digit

Math Concepts: place value, addition.

Players: any number.

Equipment: six-sided die, pencil and paper for keeping score.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Double Digit

Math Game Monday: Farkle

Learn a new math game every week, for free

A great classic game for groups or family play.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Farkle

Math Concepts: addition to ten thousand, probability with dice.

Players: any number.

Equipment: six six-sided dice, pencil and paper for keeping score.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Farkle

Math Game Monday: Decimal Point Pickle

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game challenges students to think strategically about the meaning of decimal numbers and place value.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Decimal Point Pickle

Math Concepts: decimals, place value, numerical order.

Players: any number.

Equipment: one deck of math cards, whiteboard and markers for each player, or pencils and blank paper.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Decimal Point Pickle

Math Game Monday: Scrambled Times Tables

Learn a new math game every week, for free

If want to drill multiplication math facts, this game is one of my favorite ways to practice.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Scrambled Times Tables

Math Concepts: multiplication facts, times tables.

Players: any number.

Equipment: pencil and paper, optional printed blank hundred chart.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Scrambled Times Tables

Math Game Monday: Greedy Pig

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game tests each player’s risk tolerance as they roll dice to rack up points.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

This game tests each player’s risk tolerance as they roll dice to rack up points.

Greedy Pig

Math Concepts: addition, probability of dice rolls, strategic thinking.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: two 6-sided dice, pen and paper for keeping score.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Greedy Pig