L e t ’ s M a ke Volume 3
May 2010
M a t h Fu n
All You Need Is Free Math Printables
Pencil and Paper Puzzle Sheets
And You’re Ready Fraction Board Games
To Go
Practice Math
With Bingo
Making The Most
Of Kids Sudoku
Shop From Home
For Math
Resources
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
The Let’s Make Math Fun MAGAZINE
is brought to you by
Making Math More Fun at [Link]
and
Math Board Games at [Link]
Copyright © 2010 Teresa Evans.
All rights reserved.
Permission is given for the making of copies for use
in the home or classroom of the subscriber only.
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
In thIs edItIon
All You Need is a Pencil and Some Paper ----------------- page 4
Bingo Math Fun ----------------------------.. page 5
Great Math Games and Resources -------------------- page 6
Are Your Kids Sudokuing?------------------------ page 8
Corners Print and Play Sheet ----------------------.. page 10
Fishy Fractions Board Game ----------------------.. page 11
Froggy Fractions Board Game ---------------------- page 12
Jumbled Digits Equations Addition Puzzles ---------------- page 13
Jumbled Digits Equations Subtraction Puzzles -------------- page 15
Welcome to another edition of the Let’s Make Math Fun Magazine. This month’s mag is
loaded with more ways to make math fun. Did you know that making math fun can
actually be as simple as grabbing a pencil and some paper? The first article in this mag
shows you how with a pencil and paper you can turn the traditional word Hangman
game into a math game that get kids thinking and calculating.
This month I’ve also included many different versions of Bingo. You can practice all
kinds of math skills with Bingo. From simple additions to fractions, Bingo makes math
practice exciting. Of course having a small prize for the winner makes it even more fun.
Sometimes it will take more than just a pencil and paper to motivate kids so this edition
also has two printable board games for fraction practice, two puzzle sheets to get kids
practicing addition and subtraction and a Covers strategy game sheet.
Fortunately, when it comes to teaching math today, there is a multitude of different
resources that are available, including electronic games, commercial Bingo games, and
board games and books with everything from math mysteries to mystery pictures. This
edition shows you a few that will help to make math lots more interesting for the kids.
Hope this month’s edition gives you enough to keep the kids busy for a while.
Till next time,
Teresa
Cover Photo Info [2006] Dawn Hudson Image from [Link]
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
All you need IS A PENCIL AND SOME PAPER
Some of my favorite math games only This one actually works best if the kids
require a pencil and paper. Of course if are encouraged to guess the symbols
you want to use them with a whole class before the digits.
then you can easily adapt them and use
a board. Players can be chosen to play Highest Number
on the board or the class can be divided To play Highest Number you will also
into teams and one team member at a need a dice. You can practice place
time can compete. value and comparing 2 digit numbers, 3
digit numbers or larger numbers.
This month I want to share a few
favorites that I have used over and over Two or more children can compete or
in the classroom and with my kids. you can have teams compete in the
classroom.
One of my favorites is a special twist on
a favorite word game - Hangman. For each player or team draw a grid to
write their number – for 2 digit numbers
Hangman draw .
If you’d rather, you can change the
graphic that you draw and the name of For 3 digit numbers draw .
the game to something different. Why Draw more squares to practice larger
not play Robot or Sailing Boat instead? numbers.
Player take turns to roll the dice and
To adapt this word game to a math
write the number on the dice in a
game you just need to use an equation
square. Once a square has a number in
instead of a word, e.g. 8 X 9 = 7 2.
it, the number has to stay in the square.
When all players have completed their
Start by choosing the equation and
number the person with the largest
drawing a dash for each digit or symbol.
number is the winner.
So the equation above would be as
follows. _ _ _ _ _ _ e.g. 4 6 1 would win over 2 3 2 .
Next the kids start guessing both digits If you want to use more digits, i.e. 7, 8,
and symbols. So they might say, ‘six’ or 9, 0, just write the digits on cards
they might say ‘plus’ or ‘divide’. You instead of using a dice, and have the
simply write in any guesses that are players draw a card each time.
correct on the appropriate line or draw a
line on the Hangman diagram (or robot Corners
or sailing boat). This is one of my favorite strategy
games. Click here for your free game
If the equation is guessed before the sheet for this game. You can print it off
diagram in drawn, the child is the and play or just draw your own grid on a
winner. sheet of paper to play. You’ll find the
instructions on the game sheet.
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
BIngo math Fun
In a game of Bingo, everyone wants to made with the answers to the
win. It is the hope of winning that makes multiplication facts that you want to
it exciting and fun. But did you know that practice. To practice multiplication by 6,
you can use a Bingo game to make you would use a selection of 6, 12, 18,
math practice fun. 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72. The
caller then calls out a fact, e.g. 3 X 6
You can either create Bingo cards for and the kids calculate the answer and
the kids or the kids can create their own cover it if they have it.
Bingo cards. A grid of 2 X 4 can be used
to write the numbers on. Then one In games like this where there are only
winner can be the first to make a line of 12 numbers being used, numbers can
four and the next winner can be the first be repeated and facts can be repeated,
to complete the whole card. so 4 X 6 might be called twice before 8 x
6 is ever called.
If children make their own card they
simply cross off the numbers as they are Addition Facts
called or if the cards are to be reused, Addition facts can also be practiced.
they cover the numbers with markers, This time record the numbers from 2 to
seeds, beads or buttons. 20 and then call out the appropriate
facts, e.g. 3 + 8, 12 + 4.
There are many different ways to use
Bingo to practice math. Subtraction and Division Facts
You can also play Bingo with subtraction
Reading Numbers facts or division facts. Make Bingo cards
Kids can practice recognizing and with the numbers from 1 to 12 and then
reading numbers by making Bingo cards the caller calls out facts like 15 – 8 or 36
with a selection of numbers just like in ÷ 9.
traditional Bingo where the number is
called and then covered if the player has Fractions
that number. Bingo can also be used to practice
calculating fractions. Use the numbers
Place Value from 1 – 12 and the caller calls out
Practice place value by making cards things like 1/3 of 9 or for a more
with a selection of about 20 numbers. advanced version 2/5 of 15.
Then call out the expanded value of the ________________________________
number by either telling the number of
10s and 1s, e.g. 3 tens and 5 ones or by
calling out 30 + 5. You can do this with 2 Math Fun
digit numbers, 3 digit numbers or larger With Riddles
numbers.
The Math
Multiplication Tables Riddle Book
Kids can also practice multiplication
tables with Bingo. The Bingo card is
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
Great Math Games and Resources
It was last Christmas that I discovered
Amazing Amazon. Yes I had known Bingo Games
about it for some time and even used it You can find the regular Bingo or Bingo
before but I hadn’t realized just what games to practice loads of different
Amazon had. But I am not here to tell math skills. There is a Subtraction
you about handbags, candles, shoes, Bingo, Telling Time Bingo, Multiplication
cameras or kids clothing. Bingo and even a Meteor Math Bingo
Addition & Subtraction Classroom Set.
You see I also found an unbelievably You’ll also find a Money Bingo game.
wide range of math resources. I really
doubt that there is a store that could
possibly have all of the resources that
you will find here. Today I’ve included
just a few that you might find interesting
too.
Board Games
There are math board games like Totally
Tut and Equate.
Multiplication Bingo Fractions Bingo
Video Games
Amazon has a great range of games for
Nintendo DS and for the computer.
Sometimes this is the best way to
motivate kids to practice math.
Learning Resources Totally Tut Math
Operations Game
Personal Trainer: Math
Equate: The Equation Thinking Game Math Blaster in the Prime Adventure
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
Best Books
I have also found loads and loads of great math books. Be warned though – if you put
Math into the search box and search books you will come up with over 150,000 books.
So I have a few favorites here to start you off. Every time I go to Amazon I seem to dig
up more and more great math books. These are a few of my favorites so far.
Mystery Picture Math:
50+ Reproducible Instant Math Games
Activities That Target That Teach
and Reinforce Skills in
Addition, Subtraction, Printable Math
Multiplication, Division Games
& More
Math Line Designs
From Around the Math Games Galore:
World: Grades 4-6: Number Sense and
Dozens of Engaging Place Value, Gr. 1
Practice Pages That
Build Skills in Place Value Games
Multiplication, Division,
Fractions, Decimals for Grade 1
40 Fabulous Math
Mysteries Kids Can't
Resist (Grades 4-8) Math Games Galore:
Number Sense and
Place Value, Gr. 2
Place Value Games
for Grade 2
50 Fill-in Math Word
Problems: Multiplication Number Sense &
& Division: Engaging Place Value, Gr 3 -
Story Problems for Math Games Galore
Students to Read, Fill-
in, Solve, and Sharpen Place Value Games
Their Math Skills for Grade 3
Word Problems
If you haven’t been there yet make sure you visit Amazing Amazon and check
out their math resources.
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
are your KIds SudokuIng?
Did you get your Sudoku Puzzles in the Puzzles get easier and easier to solve
last Let’s Make Math Fun Magazine? as more spaces are filled in.
(If you didn’t go to With just a little help and a push in the
[Link]/lmmf/vol right direction kids will be flying through
[Link] ) Sudoku puzzles, in no time, all on their
own.
Here are some hints on how to help kids
solve Sudoku puzzles. Most importantly, encourage children to
have fun with Sudoku! You may just find
One of the easiest ways to help kids kids develop a healthy addiction, which
with solving Sudoku puzzles is to ensure may just last a life-time.
they use a pencil. Mistakes, which are
often made (not just by kids, adults
too!), are so much easier to correct if a
pencil has been used.
Also remember to use smaller Sudoku
puzzles when introducing kids to
Sudoku. 4 X 4 puzzles and 6 X 6
puzzles are ideal for this.
The best way for kids to start solving a
Sudoku puzzle is to look for limited
squares. Limited squares are empty
spaces for which there is only one Click here for your free sudoku Puzzles
possible answer. A limited square will pages from Kids Sudoku Puzzles.
usually occur because it is the only one
left blank in a row, column or sub- Advanced Tip
section.
Once the kids become Sudoku experts,
Spaces which have only two possibilities why not suggest that they create their
are also quite easy to solve, so suggest own Sudoku puzzles to give to someone
children also look for these. else to solve.
If children become stuck, suggest they This is a great problem solving activity.
write all the possibilities (possible Have them start with 4 x 4 puzzles and
answers for one particular empty then move onto the 6 X 6 ones. It might
square) in each empty space. Having be best to leave the 9 X 9 ones to the
the possible answers visible in each experts though as trying to create one of
space often allow kids to see the correct these will challenge and frustrate most
answer more easily. adults.
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
THIS MONTH’S FREE PRINTABLES
CORNERS
PRINT AND PLAY GAME
FISHY FRACTIONS
A FRACTION BOARD GAME
FROGGY FRACTIONS
A FRACTION BOARD GAME
JUMBLED DIGITS ADDITION PUZZLE
ADDITION PUZZLE SHEET
JUMBLED DIGITS SUBTRACTION PUZZLE
SUBTRACTION PUZZLE SHEET
More Printable Math Games are available from
[Link]
and
[Link]
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
Corners
Corners
A game for 2 players
Need – 2 different colored pencils or markers.
Both players start in opposite corners.
Players take turns at coloring a block of 2 squares.
Every block that you color after the first one must join to
one of your other colored blocks, but only at the corner.
A player cannot have 2 of their colored blocks joined
side by side.
When a player has nowhere to go, he is out and the
other player is the winner.
An example of a game is shown. Grey is the winner as
black cannot make another move.
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
FISHY FRACTIONS
a game for 2-4 players Help the fish to find his friends.
Each player puts a marker on the start. Players take turns to roll the dice. The player then moves to a
space on the bottom row that equals the number on the dice. On the next turn the player throws the dice
and can move one space left, right, up or diagonally to a space that equals the number on the dice. If a
player can’t move to a space with the same value as the dice, the player stays on the square until the
next turn. The first player to move up the board to the finish is the winner.
to fINISH throw 6
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
7 of 28 4 of 24 3 of 6 6 of 18 8 of 40 9 of 54 5 of 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
7 of 21 6 of 36 9 of 45 4 of 4 2 of 10 5 of 10 8 of 32
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
7 of 28 6 of 12 3 of 18 5 of 25 9 of 54 8 of 24 2 of 12
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
4 of 24 8 of 40 3 of 9 7 of 7 2 of 4 5 of 20 9 of 45
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
7 of 14 4 of 20 6 of 36 3 of 18 8 of 32 2 of 2 9 of 27
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 of 12 8 of 24 5 of 15 9 of 18 2 of 12 6 of 6 4 of 20
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 of 12 7 of 28 5 of 10 3 of 18 9 of 9 4 of 12 6 of 30
START
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
FROGGY FRACTIONS
a game for 2-4 players Help the frog to find his friends.
Each player puts a marker on the start. Players take turns to roll the dice. The player then moves to a
space on the bottom row that equals the number on the dice. On the next turn the player throws the dice
and can move one space left, right, up or diagonally to a space that equals the number on the dice. If a
player can’t move to a space with the same value as the dice, the player stays on the square until the
next turn. The first player to move up the board to the finish is the winner.
to fINISH throw 6
2 3 2 5 3 2 4
7 of 21 4 of 4 3 of 6 6 of 6 8 of 16 9 of 9 5 of 5
6 1 2 1 1 2 3
7 of 7 6 of 36 9 of 18 4 of 4 2 of 10 5 of 10 8 of 16
3 1 1 2 1 1 1
7 of 14 6 of 24 3 of 18 5 of 15 9 of 54 8 of 8 2 of 12
3 1 1 1 1 3 2
4 of 8 8 of 40 3 of 9 7 of 7 2 of 2 5 of 10 9 of 9
2 1 1 2 3 1 1
7 of 14 4 of 20 6 of 36 3 of 3 8 of 16 2 of 2 9 of 27
1 3 3 2 1 1 3
3 of 12 8 of 8 5 of 10 9 of 18 2 of 4 6 of 6 4 of 8
1 2 2 1 1 1 1
2 of 12 7 of 14 5 of 10 3 of 9 9 of 9 4 of 12 6 of 30
START
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
JUMBLE DIGITS EQUATIONS
ADDITION PUZZLE
For each row, use the digits on the left to create a true equation on the
right. The first one is done to show you what to do.
4, 9, 1, 3 _4_ + _9_ = _1_ _3_
1. 1, 8, 4, 6 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
2. 7, 1, 5, 8 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
3. 2, 3, 1, 9 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
4. 7, 9, 1, 6 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
5. 1, 7, 2, 5 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
6. 8, 9, 1, 7 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
7. 1, 9, 5, 6 ___ + ___ = ___ ___
8. 2, 3, 6, 9 _2_ ___ + ___ = ___ ___
9. 3, 5, 5, 8 _5_ ___ + ___ = ___ ___
10. 3, 4, 4, 8 _3_ ___ + ___ = ___ ___
11. 0, 3, 4, 7 _3_ ___ + ___ = ___ ___
12. 0, 1, 6, 9 _5_ ___ + ___ = ___ ___
13. 4, 4, 7, 7 _3_ ___ + ___ = ___ ___
14. 3, 5, 6, 7 ___ ___ + _8_ = ___ ___
15. 2, 6, 7, 9 ___ ___ + ___ = _3_ ___
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
JUMBLE DIGITS EQUATIONS
ADDITION ANSWERS
For each row, use the digits on the left to create a true equation on the
right. The first one is done to show you what to do.
One possible solution is shown for each.
4, 9, 1, 3 _4_ + _9_ = _1_ _3_
1. 1, 8, 4, 6 _6_ + _8_ = _1_ _4_
2. 7, 1, 5, 8 _7_ + _8_ = _1_ _5_
3. 2, 3, 1, 9 _3_ + _9_ = _1_ _2_
4. 7, 9, 1, 6 _7_ + _9_ = _1_ _6_
5. 1, 7, 2, 5 _5_ + _7_ = _1_ _2_
6. 8, 9, 1, 7 _8_ + _9_ = _1_ _7_
7. 1, 9, 5, 6 _6_ + _9_ = _1_ _5_
8. 2, 3, 6, 9 _2_ _3_ + _6_ = _2_ _9_
9. 3, 5, 5, 8 _5_ _5_ + _3_ = _5_ _8_
10. 3, 4, 4, 8 _3_ _4_ + _4_ = _3_ _8_
11. 0, 3, 4, 7 _3_ _3_ + _7_ = _4_ _0_
12. 0, 1, 6, 9 _5_ _1_ + _9_ = _6_ _0_
13. 4, 4, 7, 7 _3_ _7_ + _7_ = _4_ _4_
14. 3, 5, 6, 7 _6_ _5_ + _8_ = _7_ _3_
15. 2, 6, 7, 9 _2_ _7_ + _9_ = _3_ _6_
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
JUMBLE DIGITS EQUATIONS
SUBTRACTION PUZZLE
For each row, use the digits on the left to create a true equation on the
right. The first one is done to show you what to do.
1, 4, 5, 9 _1_ _4_ - _9_ = _5_
1. 1, 9, 2, 3 ___ ___ - ___ = ___
2. 9, 1, 4, 5 ___ ___ - ___ = ___
3. 1, 6, 8, 8 ___ ___ - ___ = ___
4. 1, 4, 8, 1, 4 ___ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
5. 1, 5, 7, 8 ___ ___ - ___ = ___
6. 8, 9, 1, 7 ___ ___ - ___ = ___
7. 7, 3, 6, 1 ___ ___ - ___ = ___
8. 2, 3, 5, 7 _3_ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
9. 1, 6, 7, 8 _6_ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
10. 0, 5, 5, 8 _8_ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
11. 2, 2, 6, 6 _3_ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
12. 1, 2, 4, 9 _5_ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
13. 2, 3, 5, 8 _3_ ___ - ___ = ___ ___
14. 1, 4, 6, 7 ___ ___ - _7_ = ___ ___
15. 2, 4, 5, 8 ___ ___ - ___ = _4_ ___
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]
JUMBLE DIGITS EQUATIONS
SUBTRACTION ANSWERS
For each row, use the digits on the left to create a true equation on the
right. The first one is done to show you what to do.
One possible solution is shown for each.
1, 4, 5, 9 _1_ _4_ - _9_ = _5_
1. 1, 9, 2, 3 _1_ _2_ - _3_ = _9_
2. 9, 1, 4, 5 _1_ _4_ - _5_ = _9_
3. 1, 6, 8, 8 _1_ _6_ - _8_ = _8_
4. 1, 4, 8, 1, 4 _1_ _8_ - _4_ = _1_ _4_
5. 1, 5, 7, 8 _1_ _5_ - _7_ = _8_
6. 8, 9, 1, 7 _1_ _7_ - _8_ = _9_
7. 7, 3, 6, 1 _1_ _3_ - _6_ = _7_
8. 2, 3, 5, 7 _3_ _7_ - _2_ = _3_ _5_
9. 1, 6, 7, 8 _6_ _8_ - _1_ = _6_ _7_
10. 0, 5, 5, 8 _8_ _5_ - _5_ = _8_ _0_
11. 2, 2, 6, 6 _3_ _2_ - _6_ = _2_ _6_
12. 1, 2, 4, 9 _5_ _1_ - _9_ = _4_ _2_
13. 2, 3, 5, 8 _3_ _3_ - _5_ = _2_ _8_
14. 1, 4, 6, 7 _7_ _1_ - _7_ = _6_ _4_
15. 2, 4, 5, 8 _5_ _2_ - _8_ = _4_ _4_
Let’s Make Math Fun [Link] [Link]