7 Active Math Games On the Go

Math is already difficult for some to contend with sitting still; there’s the audible shifting, the unwitting groaning and the unabashed eye rolling. And that’s just you, the parent. Is it really possible that math can be active and fun?

Do active math games for elementary kids really exist that will prevent a case of slumped shoulders and glazed-over eyes?

Believe it or not, it’s possible to have that cake and devour it sloppily too: fun math games are real. And it’s imperative that we start playing them today.

A survey by PBS KIDS highlights that math skills, much like that growing pile of dishes, are often neglected by parents. Incidentally, math skills far outweigh reading skills in their importance for predicting future academic success.

What does that mean in real terms? Carry on the reading, but don’t let math be that poor benched kid on the t-ball team who’s staring at his shoes, contemplating the ice cream flavor he will choose at the team party.

Let him have a go.

There’s no need to plaster on a toothy, sinister villain smile as you sneakily approach your child with worksheets, tangrams and abacus in hand. This can be a much more simpler and enjoyable process.

Look at the following active math games for kids as a chance to liven up the educational activities you already carry on with your child.

1. The Elevator Number Line

You often catch yourself pointing out letter sounds that are familiar to your child, “Look there! D-d don’t w-w walk!” Now it’s time to add numbers to the mix, specifically the number line.

Use the most common number line you can, the elevator. As you ascend, ask your child to count how many floors until you get to your destination.

“How many stops will we be making to drop off others? How many floors until our ears pop? How many floors until we get some personal space?”

2. The Pattern Hunt

In preschool, there’s a clear emphasis on recognizing simple patterns like red-blue-yellow, red-blue-yellow. It’s that mind-numbing, cult-like chant your child has you saying under your breath as you carry on about your household chores.

But patterns can be far more exciting. Patterns exist in everything: there are stripes, polka dots, latticework patterns and spirals.

There are even audible patterns, like the impatient thumping you make on the driver’s wheel as you wait for that light to hopefully, finally (please!) turn green.

Model pattern hunting by pointing out patterns you like or dislike.

As your child is playing in the park, ask your little one to point out patterns on the playground or on the plants.

At the beach, ask your child what types of shells feature patterns (hint: all of them).

3. Playful Pairing

Besides the utility of, “Find the sock that goes with this one or else!” making pairs can provide a nice brain challenge for you and your child.

Don’t just make like to like matches; find things that are not the same that go together. For example, a spoon can be paired with a fork, or that tricycle can be paired with that scooter [they both have wheels].

Take the pair search a bit further by having your child count the pairs he or she has made. In making up criteria for matches, you are helping your child categorize.

For an added challenge, count your pairs by twos. 

4. The Superlative Search

For preschoolers, issues of height determine one’s rank in life. “I’m the tallest, so I’m the best!”

It’s easy to tune out as soon as you hear that high-pitched whiny tone that signals superiority coming on, but try going with it. Certainly don’t encourage bratty behavior, but do encourage the search for superlatives.

When your child insists he’s the tallest of his siblings, challenge him to find the tallest person in the room. Who might be the tallest person in the country?

Who is the fastest? Who can jump the farthest?

Your coolness factor might drop a few points when your child finds out you’re not the glorified best-at-everything parent your little darling once believed, but it’s all in the name of improving her math skills.

As you’re engaging in this competitive banter, you are asking your child to consider different units of measurement.

5. Shape Collecting

Your child can spot a triangle in those dizzying over-illustrated books like her life depends on it. And while that is a great starting point in getting her to recognize that shapes are everywhere, make sure to extend that enthusiasm.

Ask your child to collect shapes as you go about your day. This can include oval-shaped rocks, rectangular plant parts or those circular washers your youngest decided to disperse all over the house.

By collecting shapes in 3-D form, your child can discover many more elements to these geometrical beauties.

Fair warning: your child might become a little hoarder after collecting so many shapes. Make sure you set up parameters for what happens to these treasures.

6. Supermarket Weight Comparisons

You already know children love vying for the biggest and best of things, so have them measure the heaviest.

As they’re about to pick out their afternoon snack at the grocery store, ask them to not only consider price but to also consider which product actually contains more treat.

When your child has chosen two prospective items, have her weigh her choices using a produce scale.

The usual pick might be ditched for something different once your child discovers how her yummy yearnings actually measure up.

Let’s be honest, nothing matters more to any person than getting the most of something delicious.

Your child will learn about analyzing, comparing and relating weight to something that matters to her.

7. Map Math

In the age of GPS and robots basically controlling where we go and at what pace, we are robbing our children of a critical math learning experience.

Maps teach children about spatial relationships and scale.

The next time you go to a theme park and try to keep your composure as you navigate the quickest way to Quirky Expensive Land, hand your little one the map.

Briefly explain how the map works and let your child take over. Realistically, she may not find the fastest way on the first try, but if it keeps some cash in your pocket a bit longer and instills a lifelong math understanding in your child, just do it!

Extend the opportunity to that short trip to grandma’s house. Before you know it, your pint-sized co-pilot will give that snooty GPS voice a run for her money.

No more listening to that dooming and damning: “recalculating, recalculating…”