Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • We Sing From the Heart wins Julia Ward Howe prize for children’s literature!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honoree!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
Menu
Math Skills Games for Kids

25 Math Skills Games for Kids

Posted on May 24, 2013May 24, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

As the school year starts to wind down, I’m longing for summer even though the school year is in full force and quite hectic this time of year. Every summer, I bribe my kids to do some math review so I’m also starting to think about what workbooks to buy. Some moms I know manage to do math review in a fun, gaming kind of way. It makes me think that summer math can and should be fun.

Since this is not my forte, I’m thrilled to introduce Karla Valenti of Tot Thoughts, who created a list of 25 fun and free math skills games to play with kids.

Are you thinking of doing summer math with your kids? What resources and games will you using? Please share. I could use the help!

 

25 Fun and Easy Math Skills Games

So, your child struggles with math?

They pay attention, they work hard, and they do their homework, and yet… those tricky math concepts simply refuse to sink in.

You bring in tutors, you practice flashcards, and you spend hours going over worksheets, drilling your child in the car or at the breakfast table.

You tell yourself that if your kid just keeps at it, one day, it’ll “click.” But deep down, you’re worried that they’re falling further and further behind. Your child’s teacher is worried too.

And your child is starting to think they’re not smart. Worse, you’re starting to wonder if that might not be true.

Well, here’s the truth about mathematical ability

Actually, it’s two truths:

  1. Your child’s intelligence has little to do with his math skills
  2. Improving your child’s math skills is as simple as teaching them how to think logically and mathematically

Let me explain.

Truth #1: Intelligence is not about math

We have a tendency to think of intelligence as a thing that we all have in varying degrees. We figure out how intelligent our child is by measuring their performance in certain areas (like math) against his peers. We then realize that some children (not necessarily ours) are smarter than others.

But that’s wrong.

It is a mistake to think of intelligence as being a single thing, something we can measure on a spectrum of more or less based on how much we know about something. And it’s hurting your child to think this way.

In 1983, the developmental psychologist Howard Gardner outlined a theory that has virtually revolutionized the way we understand intelligence and our children’s ability to process information.

This theory explains that humans actually have eight intelligences (as opposed to one general intelligence): linguistic, spatial, musical, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily-kinesthetic, and naturalistic. We all have all eight of these intelligences and we use them to varying degrees, creating an intelligence profile that is unique to us.

Let’s be clear, we’re not talking about personality types, we’re not talking about behavior, we’re not talking about tendencies. We are talking about intelligence, your child’s intelligence.

So now, when we say a child is good at math, what we really mean is not that they are more intelligent but that they favor their logical-mathematical intelligence. In other words, they prefer to process information when it is presented in a logical and abstract manner; they tend to think critically and are naturally drawn to patterns and categorizations.

Here’s the big secret –> math is traditionally taught in a logical and abstract way, which means that children who favor their mathematical intelligence, will easily grasp those concepts. However, children who favor other intelligences will struggle.

In other words, the problem isn’t your child, it’s the way they are being taught math.

Truth #2: Improving your child’s math skills is about teaching them to think mathematically.

What your child needs is two things:

  1. To be exposed to math concepts in ways that resonate with his particular intelligence
  2. To develop his logical-mathematical intelligence.

The first part is not an easy feat and one that most schools cannot afford as it requires a great deal of customization. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t step in and I have a lot of ideas for you to test out on Tot Thoughts.

25 math games, 25 math skills games,

The second part involves these 25 easy activities your child can do to improve your child’s logical-mathematical intelligence.

These activities are presented in levels of increasing complexity. The levels are in no way related to a child’s age or grade. They simply invite children to start at whatever level they prefer and to continue feeling engaged and motivated as they advance to the more challenging levels (and hey, as an added bonus, many of these activities also help develop your child’s other intelligence).

LEVEL 1

  • Read a story and identify the key elements of the story. Then create an outline of the story.
  • Collect a variety of leaves and classify them in five different ways.
  • Practice adding, subtracting, and dividing by making groups of raisins, buttons or other objects (don’t worry so much about your child being able to say “2+2 = 4” but rather just have him handle the groups of items in different ways).
  • Sort a variety of household items into different colors or shapes.
  • Create different sound patterns (by clapping or stomping your feet) and have a friend imitate them.

LEVEL 2

  • Make a puzzle.
  • Create a maze or crossword puzzle for a friend.
  • Listen to patterns in music.
  • Gather random assortments of items from your house and arrange them in different patterns. Have your friends guess your patterns.
  • Measure different things with your various body parts. Compare the lengths of different items in your house.
  • Predict the ending of a book you are reading.
  • Map out the main ideas and sub-points of each idea from a book you are reading. Think of a new story and map out the main ideas and sub-points of each main idea for your new story.
  • Create new riddles and share them with your friends.
  • Write directions for completing a task and then give them to someone else. Discuss how effective the directions were in helping the other person complete the tasks.
  • Think of a problem you are currently facing and illustrate a machine that you would create to help you solve the problem.
  • Create patterned number sequences and have someone else identify the pattern. Try creating patterns with shapes or words as well.

LEVEL 3

  • Create a secret code and write it down in a code key format. Write letters using your code key. Share your code key with someone else and see if they can decipher your message.
  • Choose one of your favorite books and write the next episode or continuation of the story.
  • Pick a topic to discuss and find arguments to support both sides. Have a debate with someone else. Give each other feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments.
  • Find examples of history “repeating itself” or think of a time when the same mistake has been made multiple times. Reflect upon why this is and how those mistakes could have been avoided.
  • Follow a recipe to make a cake from scratch. Illustrate the recipe.
  • Create a dance using ten different dance steps. Teach the dance to a friend.
  • Create a paint-by-numbers picture for someone else to color.
  • Make a calendar and keep track of important events.
  • Take a walk and notice patterns in nature.

So there you have them –> 25 easy ways to help your child improve his math skills.

If they seem like fun, that’s because they are designed to be entertaining and yet challenging. That doesn’t mean your child won’t be learning or developing their logical-mathematical intelligence. In fact, what you’ll be doing is instilling in your child a love of learning.

Because let’s face it, deep down, you know your child is intelligent. Now help them realize that too!

Let’s make it easy: pick five activities that you think you’re child will enjoy and give it a try.

tot thoughts

 Karla Valenti writes Tot Thoughts where you can get other tips and ideas on on raising intelligent, creative and empowered tots. Get more on Facebook, Twitter, G+, or Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Math Fun on Pinterest.

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

30 thoughts on “25 Math Skills Games for Kids”

  1. Erica @What Do We Do All Day? says:
    May 24, 2013 at 6:10 am

    Great post! And my son loves the sumoku game in the photo! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2013 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks Erica! We haven’t tried Sumoku but now I will try it with my kids!

      Reply
  2. Artchoo says:
    May 24, 2013 at 7:50 am

    I’m so excited about these! I’ve been trying to do the summer workbooks as well, but they’re so borrrring.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 24, 2013 at 12:33 pm

      Hi Jeanette,
      I guess I’m a mean mom. I make my kids do math workbooks but I’ll change it up with games this summer too.

      Reply
  3. bamauthor says:
    May 24, 2013 at 8:05 am

    All great ways to get kids to do math without realizing it! That’s the key because when you present them with a workbook, they suddenly associate it with school and are no longer interested!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:50 am

      Hi Barbara,
      You are right about that! I have to bribe my kids to do summer math workbooks. I’m going to try some games this summer as well just to make it more fun. I need algebra games … must research!

      Reply
  4. Stacey says:
    May 24, 2013 at 8:12 am

    What a fun post! Can’t wait to try these fun games 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:50 am

      Thanks Stacey and thanks to my guest author, Karla Valenti of Tot Thoughts!!

      Reply
  5. Maryanne @ mama smiles says:
    May 24, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Yes! There are many different ways to learn math!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:51 am

      Hi MaryAnne,
      I like the idea of math games but never really went that route for fear it was too specific and it wouldn’t be comprehensive enough. I think I am totally wrong about that!

      Reply
  6. Cathy Ballou Mealey says:
    May 24, 2013 at 9:36 am

    This is such a true statement: “Improving your child’s math skills is as simple as teaching them how to think logically and mathematically”

    Just having young ones begin to group items by color, size, texture, etc is a great way to introduce the basic analytic roots of mathematical concepts!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:52 am

      Hi Cathy,
      I like how Karla Valenti of Tot Thoughts breaks it down so simply too.

      Reply
  7. Maria Gianferrari says:
    May 24, 2013 at 9:59 am

    Thanks, Mia! I’m always looking for summer math activities to prevent some of that brain drain!

    I heard a segment on NPR about Khan Academy (which I need to check out more fully), but it’s an free online service dedicated to empowerment and making education more accessible for everyone (everyone who has a computer that, is!)

    It covers K-12 math, and some advanced science topics, but I was also planning to use this for a summer math/science program for my rising 6th grader: http://www.khanacademy.org/about

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:53 am

      Thanks Maria. I will check it out. I need some math curriculum for rising 8th grade, especially for Algebra, her nemesis.

      Reply
  8. Tanya says:
    May 24, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Games always helped me learn in school a lot better. I will remember this post for when I am teaching my son math.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:53 am

      Hi Tanya,
      I need to try more games myself for summer math. I’ll be searching for 8th grade algebra games. I bet there are a bunch and I just don’t know about them yet. Will post on that soon!

      Reply
  9. Viren says:
    May 25, 2013 at 7:12 am

    When I was doing my teacher training, I was taught that Children learn through play – I guess that’s why they catch up so fast when they learn maths through games.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 25, 2013 at 8:55 am

      Hi Viren,
      Good point! Play is probably more powerful learning too!

      Reply
  10. Ashley says:
    May 26, 2013 at 12:00 am

    Lots of great ways to practice even the simplest math concepts! Thanks for sharing at Mom’s LIbrary!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 27, 2013 at 8:33 pm

      Thanks for hosting Mom’s Library Ashley!

      Reply
  11. Erik - This Kid Reviews Books says:
    May 27, 2013 at 10:18 am

    Great ideas! I like Truth #1 and #2! 😀

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 27, 2013 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks Erik! I’m glad you like them! Do you do summer math? I know you’ll read a lot this summer!!

      Reply
  12. Ann says:
    May 28, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    This was really interesting! I would love to learn more about Howard Gardener’s theory. Definitely going to try some of these this summer! Printing this list!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 29, 2013 at 8:48 am

      Hi Ann,
      I’m so glad you are finding the math games helpful!!

      Reply
  13. Ashley says:
    May 28, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Featured you on Mom’s Library this week!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 29, 2013 at 8:48 am

      Thanks so much Ashley!!

      Reply
  14. iGameMom says:
    May 29, 2013 at 1:29 am

    Very interesting! Love the 25 activities that are not so mathematical! I am featuring this article on Mom’s Library on iGameMom. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 29, 2013 at 8:50 am

      Thanks so much iGameMom!!

      Reply
  15. Maya says:
    October 25, 2013 at 2:50 am

    Thank you so much for this. It has taken me quite a lot of searching. I have printed this out and pinned it on my idea wall. I was looking of ways to wean my kids off online games (like http://www.mathblaster.com and Cool math and other such websites). I’m going to forward these to my friends.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 28, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Maya,
      I’m so glad this list of math games is helpful. My son loves online games as well and I agree with you; I’d prefer the games to have a little academics thrown in. I have to say that many of these games are really, really fun so your kids might not notice the difference!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Read Your World Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month Virtual Event July 16, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco Unboxing! July 14, 2025
  • The 2026 PADIBA Awards are now open for submissions! July 11, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart wins Julia Ward Howe prize for children’s literature! July 9, 2025
  • Changing the Game’s 4th Birthday & 4 Signed Book GIVEAWAY! July 7, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT