Mental Math Games

Knowledge of math facts (addition and subtraction to 18) and an ability to recite them from memory is key to a strong foundation for all other mathematical concepts taught throughout school.  Below are several games that can be played at home to improve your child's fluency and understanding of basic mathematical operations (click on the video to see the game being played by Grade 2 students).  


Big Boss
Materials: 0-9 dice (alternate: 2 regular dice), white board (alternate: paper), whiteboard markers, optional: unifix cubes (alternate: lego)
Notes: This game can be used to reinforce any addition or subtraction fact.

Rollie Equations
Materials: 2 dice
Notes: This game can be used to reinforce any addition or subtraction fact.

Horserace
Materials: 24 dice, a dice tray (alternate: a piece of graph paper)
Notes: This game can be used to reinforce any addition or subtraction fact.

Whack-A-Number 
Materials: deck of cards, fly swatter (alternate: spatula, pancake flipper, mini stick, etc)
Notes: This game can be used to reinforce any addition or subtraction facts. (+/-0, +/-1, +/-2, etc.).

Domino Add 'em Up
Materials: dominos, whiteboard (alternate: paper), whiteboard markers 
Notes: This game can be played to review +0, +1 or +2.

Connect 5
Materials: unifix cubes (alternate: lego, coins, etc), a connect 5 mat (download here).
Notes: 

In the Dump 
Materials: cards (A-10), set of dominos
Notes: This game is played to review subitizing and basic facts.

Beat Your Partner
Materials: 9or12 sided dice, equation mat, whiteboard markers
Notes: 

Make 10 On My Head
Materials: deck of cards A-10 (remove K, Q, J)

Double the little one, add one
Materials: deck of cards

On My Head
Materials: deck of cards

Templates:
Dominos