Maths Fun at Home: Games for Kids
LikeAs I have seen first-hand, maths is often one of the most challenging subjects for young students. For that, many families place a high importance on assisting their children in achieving academic success. But I think education doesn't have to be limited to the classroom! Playing entertaining maths games with kids at home might help them develop their abilities while having fun. And if you ever feel the need for extra guidance, a private maths tutor can be a game-changer in your child's academic journey.
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I'll be sharing a number of fun maths games that you may play at home on this blog. In addition to improving your child's mathematics skills, these activities foster family unity and turn learning into a fun journey. Play is frequently the best way to learn for kids, in my opinion, and I'm excited to share these ideas with you!
Fun Maths Games at Home for KS2 Students
1. Maths Treasure Hunt
- What You’ll Need: Small prizes or tokens, a list of maths clues, and objects to hide.
- How to Play: Create a series of maths clues or problems that lead to different locations around the house. Each correct answer points to the next clue’s location. This could involve adding numbers, simple multiplication, or even fractions to make it age-appropriate. The final clue should lead to a hidden treasure.
- Skills Practised: Problem-solving, arithmetic, and critical thinking.
2. Fraction Pizza
- What You’ll Need: Paper or cardboard “pizza” cut into slices, markers, and some toppings (drawn or small objects like buttons).
- How to Play: Make a pretend pizza with fractions written on each slice (e.g., halves, quarters, thirds). Players “order” different fractions, and children have to “serve” the correct fraction. Parents can also use this game to introduce equivalent fractions by showing how two quarters make a half.
- Skills Practised: Fractions, equivalence, and division.
3. Times Table Bingo
- What You’ll Need: A bingo card template, pen, and times tables.
- How to Play: Create bingo cards with answers from a chosen times table. The parent calls out questions (e.g., “3 x 4”), and the child crosses off the answer if they have it on their card. The first to complete a line or card wins.
- Skills Practised: Multiplication, listening skills, and recall.
4. Number Line Race
- What You’ll Need: A number line (can be drawn on paper or a small board), dice, and small markers.
- How to Play: Each player starts at zero. Roll the dice and add or subtract that number from your position. This can be made more challenging by using two dice or practising multiplication by moving according to the product of the dice rolls.
- Skills Practised: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and number sense.
5. Shape Scavenger Hunt
- What You’ll Need: A list of different shapes (e.g., triangles, circles, squares) and a timer.
- How to Play: Set a timer and ask the child to find as many items of each shape as they can within the time limit. For older children, add specific criteria, like finding shapes with equal sides or objects with right angles.
- Skills Practised: Geometry, properties of shapes, and spatial awareness.
6. Money Shop Game
- What You’ll Need: Coins, small items (toys, snacks, etc.), paper for price tags, and a calculator.
- How to Play: Set up a mini “shop” with items marked at different prices. Children “shop” using coins, practising adding up to totals, and calculating change. Parents can also introduce discounts to practice percentages for older children.
- Skills Practised: Addition, subtraction, decimals, money handling, and percentages.
7. Multiplication War
- What You’ll Need: Deck of cards (or use paper numbers 1-10).
- How to Play: Each player draws two cards and multiplies them. The player with the higher product wins the round and takes the cards. Continue until all cards are used, and the player with the most cards wins.
- Skills Practised: Multiplication, number sense, and comparison.
8. Estimate and Measure
- What You’ll Need: Ruler, measuring tape, objects around the home, and a paper for recording guesses.
- How to Play: Ask the child to estimate the length, width, or height of different objects, then measure to see how close their guesses were. This can be turned into a points game, with the closest estimate winning.
- Skills Practised: Estimation, measurement, and reasoning.
What Age Should You Consider Finding a Primary School Tutor for Your Child?
To give their kids an extra push in important subjects like maths, many parents begin thinking about tutoring in elementary school. Every child has different needs, so there isn't a set age, but Years 3 through 6 (ages 7 to 11) are common places to start. Early reading and numeracy development is crucial during these years, so if you see your kid struggling or wants to move up beyond their present level, a primary school tutor can help them develop these vital abilities. Starting tutoring at this point gives children individualised attention, boosting their self-esteem and motivation as they get ready for more difficult coursework.
Is It Worth Finding a Tutor for the 11+ Exams?
Having observed how effective private tutoring can be for the 11+, I’d say it’s a great investment for kids. A private tutor is incredibly helpful for the 11+ because they bring a structured approach to what can be a stressful time. Your child doesn’t just get practice in maths and English; they gain insights into time management, question types, and techniques to stay calm. Focused sessions with a tutor make exam prep more targeted, zeroing in on areas that need work. If you’re looking for 11 plus tutors near you, finding the right one could make all the difference in your child’s journey to success.
To sum up, playing entertaining maths games with your kids at home is a great way to keep learning interesting, but finding the time can be difficult if you're a busy parent. Consider finding a private primary school maths tutor who can work one-on-one with your child, either near you or virtually, if you're having trouble fitting these activities into your schedule.
A tutor can offer committed assistance, supporting your child's academic progress while also improving their maths abilities. Regardless of whether you're looking for "tutors for kids near me" or an online 11 plus tutor, a qualified tutor can provide the specialised attention and knowledge to keep your child making confident development.
Related articles:
- Maths Fun at Home: Games for Kids
- The Importance of Early Maths Skills for Your Child
- How to Make Maths Interesting for Children: Why It Doesn't Have to Be Boring
- How you can help your child learn the multiplication tables
- How to know if your child needs private tuition for maths
- Strengthen your child's skills with a maths and physics tutor