Math games for 1st graders don’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, I started making these MATH GAMES years ago to help our students review skills they were learning in math. I wanted the games to be aligned with our standards AND easy to play. And I wondered, “Can I get each game on one sheet?”
I remembered what my mentor teacher used to tell me. “K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Silly.”
Her second S stood for a different word, but you get the point. Often, simpler is better.
The games are designed for partners and use manipulatives that are common in most math sets, like counters, Unifix cubes, and base ten blocks.
I also grabbed a deck of cards and some fun dice from the dollar store. These RAINBOW GAME PIECES aren’t totally necessary, but the kids love them. (Pictured in top photo.) Don’t want to buy game pieces? We’ve also used pom poms and dried beans. All you need is something to help the children keep their place in the game.
HOW WE USE THE MATH GAMES
When I’m ready to supplement my math instruction, I pick a game that supports the skill we’re working on. In a whole-group setting, I model how to play the game. Specifically, I show them the parts of the sheet:
- the name of the game
- the materials needed
- the directions
- the game board
The format is consistent across all the games, so the kids become familiar with the structure pretty quickly.
After I model how to play the game, I answer their questions and then pair them up. This is when each child gets to practice playing with a partner. Since the game is new to them, I circulate around the room, continuing to answer questions and just checking in on how it’s going.
TIP: There are many ways to create partnerships, but I generally pair students who need a little more support with children who are proficient AND kind. My students who are catching up need someone who has the natural ability to coach and encourage. As a side note, we spend a lot of time in our classroom talking about what coaching looks like. It’s important for them to know how that’s different than just telling someone the answer.
Once we’ve played the game as a whole group a few times, we can add it as a math center for independent play. If you don’t use math centers, the games also work well as:
- morning bell work
- skill review and test prep
- an activity for fast-finishers
- remedial math instruction
- math-buddy activities with an older grade level
- an academic choice for “Fun Fridays”
- at-home games for families to play together
If your students know where to get the math manipulatives, you can store the games in a notebook or file folder system. However, I like the idea of storing each game in a large plastic bag with the pieces inside. That way, kids can just grab and go. Less time is wasted if all the pieces are stored with the game card.
MORE MATH GAMES FOR 1ST GRADERS
These are a few commercial games that support primary math standards. We wish-list these and share our lists with parents who express an interest in making donations to our classrooms.👇
- SHUT THE BOX
- SWEET SUMS
- ZINGO
- TROUBLE and CONNECT FOUR (simple classics we can’t get enough of)
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We love this BUNDLE of all sorts of math games, worksheets, and digital activities for first graders! It covers many skills, such as addition & subtraction, missing addends, doubles facts, geometry, place value, missing addends, and time.👇
NEED SOMETHING FOR A KINDER KIDDO?
This resource is formatted the same way, but for children practicing KINDERGARTEN MATH skills. It’s perfect for centers, tutoring groups, or even summer fun at home since each game only requires two players. See more here.👇
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👉 PLACE VALUE GAMES FOR 1ST GRADE
Happy teaching!
