Addition Games for Kids

Incorporate addition games and activities during playtime is an excellent opportunity for us to teach addition to our kids.

Addition is the first math that everyone learned during his or her childhood. In this part of the world – Asia, I see many parents enrolling their children in expensive enrichment class to learn addition and math. Such enrichment courses drill children with plain worksheet or using abacus. I feel such drilling method on young kids simply kills the fun of learning addition and math.

There are many different addition games and activities to teach addition to kids.

For young kids, they need to be able to count when doing addition. This is essential for them to understand the fundamental concept of addition. As such, use objects or math manipulatives which allow kids to count and find the total before proceeding to use numeric when teaching addition.

Count with Number Match

The great thing about homemade games is that you can ask your child to help you in creating the material. In this game, you will need colored markers, stickers and 20 index cards.

The first thing you should do is to make the 10 numeral cards. Use the colored markers to write numbers 1 to 10 on each index card.

Let your child make the 10 quantity cards. Small stickers can be used or you can just draw pictures in order to illustrate the quantities. Create quantity 0 to 9 on the cards.

After making the cards, it’s time to play! Jumble the quantity cards thoroughly and lay them on the table or on the floor in rows.

Pick any two quantity cards. Ask your child to count the total of stickers on those two cards then choose the correct numeral card for the answer.

Flashcards

Using flashcards to develop your child’s math skills has been proven effective. Mathematics flash cards are available in bookstores. You can also make your own with index cards and colored markers. Furthermore, there are printable flashcards available online.

If the kids are proficient in simple addition, we can proceed to strengthen their mental calculation through many other addition games and math activities.

Around the Block

This addition game will not only improve your child’s mathematics skills but it can also make him more active. Let your child go out with you and go around the block. Consider every square in your sidewalk a game board. If your neighborhood does not have ridged sidewalks, just take huge steps for every answer.

You need a pair of dice to play the game. Roll the dice and add up the numbers on both dice. If the child gets the right answer, he can step ahead the total of spaces but if his answer is incorrect, he should go back. Get a group of children to play this game together. The kid who reaches finishing point is the winner. You will see how the kids enjoy themselves as they learn addition at the same time.

Addition Math Games on the Road

Learning math need not confine to a classroom. Our kids can also learn addition while traveling on the road. Bring a pack of poker cards along; we can easily turn playing cards into a happy learning experience for kids.

If you are stuck in a traffic jam while on the road without any material, play addition using cars’ plate number.

Bring along some fun math worksheets and use these printables while waiting for food in restaurants.

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