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Math is our FAVORITE subject! It’s not just my favorite but Squeaks genuinely loves it too, which makes me SO happy! So playing math games is just the cherry on top of the number filled sundae.
Nearly every board game involves basic counting to move a game piece forward. Squeaks is a bit past that though, and even Little Dude is a pretty good counter, so I wanted something a little more challenging.
Our favorite early math games:
Just like with alphabet games, there are an abundance of number and math games to choose from. When picking a math game for my kids I kept their personalities in mind. Since they have been waiting for ladybug season since last fall, I knew they would love The Ladybug Game. I was even more excited about it when I learned that it was created by a six year old! A little girl only a year older than Squeaks invented this game as a class project. I’m sure she got an A+ because it’s such a clever game.
This is definitely one you’ll want to familiarize yourself with before getting the kids involved though (see my other game schooling tips here). There’s a cute little backstory that goes with the game and it helps to read it, along with the rules, before you have little ones excited to start playing.
Once you get going though, it’s easy to love. The object of the game is to get the ladybugs home to their rose garden, avoid the praying mantis, and collect aphids to feed the lazy ants. You have to add up (or subtract depending on where you land) your aphid tokens before you can get your ladybugs home.
Squeaks LOVED this game and grasped the concept very quickly. Little Dude needed a bit of help keeping track of his aphid tokens, and he got a bit frustrated when he wasn’t collecting them as quickly as he wanted to, but it turned into a good lesson on patience.
Overall, I am super impressed with this game. Plus I love that Squeaks got to see what someone her age can accomplish with math and creativity. Such a great inspiration!
Our favorite hands-on and printable early math games:
- If you’re looking to take math on the go with you this summer, check out all the fun math games that Missy from Homeschooling Our Kinetic Kids was able to fit into an Altoid tin! From dice games, counting games, and even a mini battleship game; you’ve never been so impressed with an Altoid tin. Of course you’ll need a tin or two of your own, but she provides the printables and instructions.
- This next one doesn’t require a printer, but a cool floor rug is a must. Brittany from The Ankle Biters found the most clever way to teach her kiddos math using the pattern on her rug. Find the instructions here. I’m sure this same concept could be achieved with any patterned rug or even the tile in your kitchen.
- For your beginning counters check out this printable counting board game from Life Over C’s. It focuses on number 6-10 so it’s perfect for little ones just learning to count to ten. And for your kiddos learning to add, check out their free addition facts game.
- I also created a few fun math games to keep on hand in our busy binder. This one has a cute lemonade theme that’s perfect for the summer months. If your little ones enjoy dice games, you might also enjoy my Roll, Write, Count game or my Roll, Build, Add game. Both are perfect for practicing counting, and number sense.
Math games are some of our favorites. I hope you’ve found some fun new ones here to help your little learners. I look forward to sharing our favorite science games with you on Monday!
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