Math Games for Kids

Shut the Box Printable Game (Instructions and Board)

Erica — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:08:39 +0000

Shut the Box is a old-fashioned dice game that is traditionally played with a wooden box filled with numbered, flippable tiles. However, with our printable version of Shut the Box anyone with a pair of dice can play!

Shut the Box Printable

For printable instructions and the numbered line game board, fill out the following form and the pdf will zoom right over to your inbox.

How to Play Shut the Box

First, learn the basic instructions, then read the notes at the end to try out a few variations of Shut the Box.

Objective

Be the player with the lowest score.

Materials

2 or more players; one player can play as a personal challenge.
2 dice
Printable game board, one strip of the numbers 1-9 per player (see notes)
Marker or tokens (see notes)

Rules

Roll to see who goes first.

The first player rolls both dice and adds the numbers to get the sum.

The player then takes one of two actions. On the number line, they may 1) “shut” (i.e. cross off with a marker, or cover the number with a token) any combination of numbers that add up to the sum; or 2) shut the number representing the sum.

EXAMPLE: Player rolls 3 and 5. Since 3+5=8, the possible options are:

8
1 and 7
2 and 6
5 and 2 and 1
3 and 5
4 and 3 and 1

Player chooses a valid action, shuts the number(s) and rolls again. He can continue to roll as long as he can continue to shut numbers. When he rolls but has no more valid numbers to shut, his turn is completed.

Once a player has shut numbers 7, 8 and 9, he may opt to roll only one die. Until then, he must roll both dice.

MORE: Check out the hub for all our DIY traditional games from around the world.

Example Play

Player has a 1-9 number line. He rolls a 2 and 5 (7). He shuts the 7. The next roll is 6 and 3 (9); he shuts the 9. The next roll is 3 and 1 (4); he shuts the 3 and 1. The next roll is a 1 and 1 (2); he shuts the 2. The next roll is a 5 and 6 (11). There is no 11 on the number line so he shuts the 5 and 6. The next roll is 5 and 2 (7), since the only numbers still open are 4 and 8, his turn is over and he records his score.

Scoring

The player's final score is calculated by adding the remaining open numbers on the board. For example, if one player has a 2 and a 3 remaining, their score is 5. If another player has only the 9 remaining, their score is 9.

After all players have completed their rolls, the winner is the player with the lowest score.

If a player is able to shut every number on the game board, they have “Shut the Box,” and are the winner.

MORE: Our favorite math games make math practice fun!

Notes and Variations

As with any traditional game with a long history, Shut the Box has many versions. I always encourage kids and families to explore rule variations to see what works best and how players must adjust their strategy accordingly. The important part is that all players agree on the rules ahead of time!

Try some of the following options:

Option 1: You may not shut more than 2 numbers on a roll.

Option 2: When a player opts to roll a single die, you must be able to shut the die as shown. For example if you roll a 5 with a single die, you must be able to shut the 5, not a 2-3 or a 4-1.

Option 3: For a kid-friendly version, player can use individual die numbers rather than the sum. For example if the roll is 3 and 5 (for a sum of 8), but only the 5 is still open, they could shut the 5 without going out. Note that any numbers must match the quantity show on the dice. They could not mark off a 7 just because 7+1 also equals 8.

Option 4: This version is known as "Unlucky 7." When a player rolls a 7, their turn is over.

Option 5: Traditionally, Shut the Box is played with tiles numbered 1-9. We included a printable version with numbers 1-12 for extended play. Playing with 1-12 is known as "Full House."

Taking Turns: Some kids may not have the patience to wait for another player to take all of their rolls before starting their own turn! In this case, instead of playing one player's full complement of rolls at a time, take turns rolling the dice. Each player should still have their own number line game board, however.

Our family's favorite commercial version of Shut the Box is Blue Orange's Double Shutter, which has provided us hours of entertainment. When my kids were little, before they could play the game properly, we even used Double Shutter for number recognition and counting practice.

Alternative Scoring

Instead of adding the remaining numbers, players count the quantity of open numbers squares. The player with the fewest open numbers is the winner. For example, if one player has a 2 and a 3 remaining, their score is 2. But if another player has only the 9 remaining, their score is 1.

Another method of scoring requires playing multiple rounds. Players keep a running score; as players reach a score of 45, they are out. The last player standing wins.

Alternative Game Board

Instead of the printable game board, players can use a set of standard playing cards. If playing with 1-12, line up Ace through Queen, with Jack and Queen standing in for 11 and 12, and Ace for 1. Turn over the cards to "shut" them. Be sure to use the same deck for these 10 card games ever kid should know!

Of course, you don't even need to print out the game board, simply write the numbers 1-9 on a sheet of paper and cross them off with a marker as you "shut" them!

Game board tip: To easily reuse the printable board, instead of crossing out numbers with a marker, use tokens or coins to cover numbers once they have been "shut."

Strategy

If they don't realize it before they start playing, after a couple of rounds kids will learn that the best strategy is to shut higher numbers as soon as possible. They will need to ask themselves strategic questions. Is it better to cross off an 8 (a single number) or a 3 and a 5? The answer might not be as simple as it seems!

MORE STRATEGY GAMES FOR KIDS:

Our favorite single player logic games
Trominoes, a DIY math game
Nine Holes, a classic alternative to tic-tac-toe

The post Shut the Box Printable Game (Instructions and Board) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

The Hidden Benefits of Go Fish!

Erica — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 23:43:27 +0000

We love family game time and one of my son's current favorite card games is Go Fish! It's a classic game beloved by many a 5-year-old and we play it a lot.

Although parents may not want to play Go Fish on repeat the way kids do, it's a good idea to indulge their request for the card game as often as possible because there are actually a lot of hidden benefits to playing Go Fish!

But first, let's get a handle on what the game is, because Go Fish is one of the 10 card games kids should know!

How to Play Go Fish

For the 6 people left in the world who don't know how to play Go Fish, the instructions are very easy. Although many companies like to sell fancy Go Fish specific card decks, all you need is a standard deck of 52 cards.

Number of players

2-5 players

Objective

To collect as many sets of 4 of a kind as you can. In some variations, players only collect pairs.

Set-Up and Deal

Decide who goes first and who will deal. You can draw cards, play rock, paper, scissors, choose the youngest player, or shout "Not It!." The choice is yours.

The dealer deals 7 cards to each player. If playing with 4 or 5 players, deal out 5 cards to each player.

Place the remaining cards in a pile, face down. This is the "Go Fish" pile.

Play

Players examine their hands and decide what cards they might want to "fish" for. The first player, "the fisher," asks any other player if they have a particular number or face card. For example, "Do you have any 5s?" The fisher must already have at least one 5 in their hand.

If the "fishee" has a 5 they must hand over the card or cards to the fisher. If not, they gleefully say, "Go fish!" and the fisher draws one card from the Go Fish pile.

If the fisher gets one or more cards they asked for, whether from the fishee or the draw pile, they get another go and can ask the same player or another player for a card. They get to keep fishing as long as they continue to be given or draw the correct card. If they do not get the correct card, their turn is over and play continues clockwise.

Once a player as a set of four cards, they lay them down face up.

Play continues in this manner until all thirteen face value cards have been collected by players in sets of four.

The winner is the player with the most sets.

MORE CARD GAMES:

Benefits of Go Fish!

Perhaps one of the reasons kids love Go Fish! so much is because deep down they know that it's teaching them valuable skills and prepping their brains for the long schooling years in front of them!

Okay, maybe not, but it's still great for for early math learning and social skills.

Go Fish! teaches:

recognition of numerals and quantities
matching pairs and sorting
listening and memory skills (Last time Mommy had a 5, but I didn't. Now I do have a 5. "Mommy, do you have a 5?"),
learning how to take turns

... and, of course, Go Fish is a good starter game for parents who are helping kids who hate to lose learn how to be a good sport (we have more helpful sportsmanship tips here).

So what are you waiting for? Go Fish!

For slightly older kids who are practicing early addition skills, don't forget about TENS GO FISH!

The post The Hidden Benefits of Go Fish! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

The Array Game: Fun Dice Game to Teach Multiplication

Erica — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:33:40 +0000

The array game helps kids learn multiplication skills for numbers 1-6 by focusing on the use of arrays on a grid to visually represent calculations.

When I was in school we learned multiplication through sheer willpower of memorization. Fortunately, today's pedagogy offers students a more comprehensive approach to understanding how multiplication works. Arrays are a useful learning tool because the arrangement of rows and columns make it easy for kids to visualize a multiplication equation.

This multiplication array game, along with games like Trominoes and a multiplication dice game are great activities to supplement mathematics learning either in the classroom or at home. It's an excellent addition to your child's STEM learning!

How to Play the Array Game

Supplies:

2 10x10 grids. Feel free to use our free printable page of grids, draw your own, or use graph paper.
Pen or pencil
2 dice
2 enthusiastic kids ready to play

Objective:

To shade in as much of your grid as possible, according to the rules.

Step by Step Instructions

Each player has their own 10x10 grid and pencil.

Taking turns, players roll both dice and then shade in the appropriate array on their grids. For example, if you roll a 4 and a 5 you would shade in a 4x5 array. You can choose to shade the array either vertically or horizontally. For example, the array could be either 4 rows by 5 columns or 5 rows by 4 columns.

For each shaded array, record your score for that turn. For example a 4x5 array would earn a score of 20.

Arrays can be next to each other, but you may not overlap arrays.

As you continue taking turns and the grid fills up, you may find that you can no longer fit your array into the grid. In that case you forfeit your turn and you can try again on your next turn.

Ending the game:

There are a couple of ways to end the game:

The game ends after a pre-set period of time. Add up the scores. Whoever has the highest score wins.
The game ends when the one player can not longer fit an array into the grid. In this case, instead of forfeiting their turn, the player loses.
The game ends when one player has filled in their entire grid. This will take longer than the first two options. Depending on the luck of the roll, players may end up forfeiting many turns.

Array Game Variations

Some array game variations are obvious, such as changing the size of the grid, or the number of players. Here are some useful ways to switch up game play to even more fun.

Variation 1:

This modification teaches the distributive law of multiplication and can be applied to all the array game variations. When a player rolls a total that doesn't fit on the grid, they can break up the factors. For example, if a player rolls a 6 and a 4, they can shade in a 2x4 and a 4x4 array instead of a 6x4 array.

Variation 2:

Use a larger grid, at least 20x20, to be shared by two players. With this modification, players mark their arrays on one grid. One player shades in their arrays with Xs, the other with Os. Alternatively, players can use different color pencils to tell their arrays apart.

Variation 3:

Any number of kids can play, and the more players you have, the more likely the game will result in a tie. Each player has their own grid. Taking turns, they fill in their arrays. As players lose the ability to shade in a score on their array, they are out. The last person left to be able to shade in an array is the winner.

Variation 4:

Single player game. One player attempts to fill in as many squares of the array as possible before throwing a score that no longer fits on the grid. The player focuses on multiplication skills as well as a good strategy to filling up their grid.

MORE: Best dice games for kids.

The post The Array Game: Fun Dice Game to Teach Multiplication appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

NIM: A Simple Counting Game to Teach Subtraction Skills

Erica — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Nim is a traditional, simple, quick, and fun combinatorial game using a stack of counters. Nim looks deceptively easy, but it exercises kids' logic and reasoning skills. Entire articles have been written about the mathematical theories behind Nim strategy, but you need not delve into that when you just want a no-prep and fun distraction.

Nim is a good early math game that supports addition and subtraction skills. I played a few rounds with my soon-to-be 5th grader and he enjoyed beating me (ahem). But then, my knowledge of mathematical theory is not what it used to be, ha ha ha.

How to play Nim

Nim can be played in various ways and with different quantities. I've chosen a simple version to share with you. We also like to call this game, "counting down."

Materials

11 stackable counters. 10 in one color and 1 in a different color. We used black and white poker chips, (affiliate link) which are extremely handy if you play a lot of DIY games at home. You can also use checkers, coins, or even flat blocks.
2 enthusiastic players

Objective

Force your opponent to pick up the black (the last) chip.

Rules:

Stack the white chips on top of the black chip.
Determine who will go first.
Taking turns, players picks up 1, 2 or 3 chips from the top of the stack.
Whoever is left with the last chip loses.

Watch the video to see the game in action:

It's that simple!

Tips and Tricks

TIP: You don't need different color chips for Nim. You can play with 11 chips and whoever is stuck with the last one, loses.

TIP: After 1 or 2 rounds, kids will learn that in order to win they need to leave 4 white counters on top of the black one. If they are able to do that, it becomes impossible for their opponent to win. This will lead to some strategizing and you can start to vary the game rules to tickle their little brains even more (see below for some variation suggestions).

A few questions to ask your kids while they play "counting down":

Is it better to go first or second?

What quantity of white chips do you ultimately want to leave on top of the black one so your opponent can't force you to pick up the black chip?

What happens if you play with 11 white chips and 1 black chip instead? (Try it!)

What happens if you can only remove 1 or 2 chips instead of up to 3? (Try it!)

Benefits of Playing Nim

What are kids learning?

Counting backwards practices the skills needed for subtraction.
They are learning to think strategically.
They are using their reasoning skills.
They are learning to plan ahead (games like this build executive function).

This post is part of our Camp Mathematics series, an easy, free summer camp curriculum based on having fun while boosting math skills.

More math games to play:

The post NIM: A Simple Counting Game to Teach Subtraction Skills appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Best Gifts for Kids Who Love Math

Erica — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Believe it or not, some of the best gifts are toys and games that nurture a love of math. For kids who already love math these gifts are a treat. However, for kids who haven't yet found joy in math, the right game or activity has the potential to encourage them to think about the subject in new ways.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Math Toys

Kids develop and learn skills during playtime. And those skills, like visual perception, patterning, enumerating and investigating are crucial for later academic success!

STANDARD UNIT BLOCKS

Find it: Amazon

Unit blocks are the classic toy. They provide endless amounts of entertainment, and teach everything from math concepts to physics all the while engaging a child's imagination. Every kid should have a set of unit blocks. No question. This is a great, basic set. Colors can be appealing to grown-ups buying toys, but neutral, unfinished block are the most versatile. Excellent for all ages!

PATTERN BLOCKS

Find it: Amazon

These colorful, wooden pattern blocks are a great math gift that doesn't look like a math gift! This block set offers kids the chance to build skills pattern recognition, matching, sorting, spatial awareness and one-to-one correspondence. Not only can they build designs based on the pre-determined patterns trays, but they can manipulate the blocks to arrange their own designs and patterns, allowing for endless creativity. Perfect for ages 3-6.

SHASHIBO SHAPE SHIFTING BOX

Find it: Amazon

This geometric marvel will mesmerize your kids for hours as they explore all the amazing shapes they can create. The box consists of magnetized puzzle pieces that you manipulate into seemingly endless shapes, drawing upon your spatial awareness and engineering design skills. It also makes a great fidget toy! Ages 8 and up.

Math Games

Some of the best math gifts for kids are games, and especially single player logic puzzles which also allow kids to strengthen their growth mindset skills. Here are our favorite single player and family math-themed games.

SUMOKU

Find it: Amazon

If Scrabble and Qwirkle had a baby who loved math, it would be Sumoku! Players use basic math skills to create patterns and sets in a crossword style format. The best part is there are several variations so the game never gets boring. This has been a family favorite! Be sure to check out more of our favorite math games for kids. Ages 8 and up.

PRIME CLUB

Find it: Amazon

Recommended for kids ages 10 to adult, Prime Climb is an excellent gift for any math-loving family. The game has won a ton of awards and is actually quite easy to learn. Plus, there are different variations of game play and even adults will be surprised at how much they learn and practice their math skills.

COLORKU

Find it: Amazon | Expansion packs

As the name implies, this is a giant version of Sudoku using colored wooden marbles instead of numbers. When your little genius has completed all the included puzzle cards, a card extension deck is also available. Ages 8 and up.

MATH DICE

Find it: Amazon

Need a stocking stuffer for a kid who loves dice games and math? Math Dice are perfect. Although the dice come with instructions for a specific game, that won't stop kids from inventing their own! Don't forget to check out more great stocking stuffer games. Ages 6 and up.

Books

In addition to the hands-on learning benefits of math games and toys, don't overlook the power of just the right book to inspire math learning. For more math books visit our book lists:

MATH PERPLEXORS

Find it: Amazon

These are not your run-of-the-mill workbooks! Remember those logic puzzles you did as a kid? Math Perplexors are classic grid logic puzzles but with a math twist. Fortunately, the activity book series offers multiple levels for different grade levels, from easy to expert! Ages 7 and up.

HOW TO BE A MATH GENIUS

Find it: Amazon

Doesn't everyone want to be a math genius? This clever, interactive book covers all things math, and then some. It's surprisingly entertaining. Ages 8 and up.

THE BOOK OF PERFECTLY PERILOUS MATH

Find it: Amazon

This intriguingly named book will spur your child on to investigate math conundrums. Author Sean Connolly frames math problems as precarious and dangerous scenarios. The math problem begins with a story and presents the problem to be solved, advice on how to solve it, and several grid pages as workspace. For example, in "Tornado on Your Tail!" problem solvers must uses clues in the story to figure out how long they have to find shelter before being overtaken by a fast-approaching tornado. The solution to each problem is clearly laid out and explained. A highly entertaining way to practice math. Ages 10 and up.

YOU CAN COUNT ON MONSTERS

Find it: Amazon

My son loved this book and spend hours looking through it! The aim of the book is to help readers understand factoring and prime numbers. It's great for visual learners. The book includes an explanation of how the numbers can be broken down into smaller units and every number from 1 to 100 is given an artistic representation based on its prime number components. Ages 7 and up.

More Gift Guides

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8 Math Games for Kids of all Ages and Skill Levels

Erica — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:02:00 +0000

Looking for fun math games that kids and families can enjoy together? Or maybe you need math games for the classroom? You're in luck! This is where you can find the best math game that are so fun kids will say, "More math, please!"

We love family games and with one child who loves math so much he once included math problems on a Mother's Day card for me, we've played a lot of math games, including math card games and dice games. These are our favorites DIY math games and store-bought games!

Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Math Games for Kids and Families

I've included recommended ages, but that's not set in stone. Many of these math games for kids can be altered to fit the abilities of the players.

Double Shutter

Find it: Amazon

We've used the Double Shutter game, a version of Shut the Box, "off-label" for math practice but my sons and I really love playing it. It's an excellent way of learning how different combinations of numbers can be added to produce the same sum. It also teaches logical and strategic thinking. I appreciate that the rules can be easily altered for younger players. Double Shutter is best played with two players, can be adapted for more. Ages 6 and up (may need help).

MORE: Use our printable version of Shut the Box, perfect for classrooms.

Multiplication Dice Game

Find the instructions and print the score card here on the blog!

This easy to learn multiplication dice game is especially useful for helping kids remember their times tables. It's perfect for large groups (think: classrooms) but works just as well with only a few players. Ages 8 and up.

Addition and Subtraction Dice Game

Find the Addition and Subtraction game instructions here on the blog.

With this clever math game, players try to reach the highest score, but they must add and subtract their roll totals according to a predetermined pattern. It's a great game to fill in a spare moment, since you can play as many or as few rounds as you wish. Ages 7 and up.

Zeus on the Loose

Find it: Amazon

Kids who love Greek mythology will forget all about the fact that they are actually honing their math skills while playing this game! I appreciate that Zeus on the Loose also requires mental math skills. The object is to reach a score of 100 while holding on to the Zeus figurine, but players must be careful because victory can be snatched away without warning! You could say victory is as fickle as the gods. Read more about Zeus on the Loose in our Game of the Month feature. Ages 7 and up (or younger with help.)

Tens Go Fish

Read the Tens Go Fish instructions here on the blog!

For young kids who love the traditional Go Fish card game, this is a fun alternative for beginning math students. Instead of working towards making number pairs, players work towards putting together pairs that add up to ten. Great for at home math practice, or math time in the classroom. Ages 5 and up, depending on math skills.

Sumoku

Find it: Amazon

Sumoku is a favorite of my math-loving son, and I recommend it for ages 9 and up, or for very precocious kids. It is more advanced than any of the other games on this list. Sumoku is a cross between Scrabble and Qwirkle, but with math! Read our Sumoku game of the month feature for tips on playing with kids, whatever their skill level.

Dominoes

Find it: Amazon

Your basic Dominoes are great for math learning! Kids will learn quantity recognition, patterning and basic addition and multiplication skills (such as skip counting by 5). using domines with colored pips aids in recognition. Find the basic rules for dominoes here, or check out these domino math games for kids.

Array Game

Read the array game instructions here on the blog!

Arrays are a useful tool to teach multiplication through visual representation on a grid. The multiplication array game is very easy to learn and helps kids visualize multiplying number 1-6. An easy variation also reinforces distributive property.

You might also like these math games:

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Best STEM Games for Developing Growth Mindset

Erica — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 17:53:26 +0000

Games are excellent tools for building skills of all kinds. With the recent emphasis on STEM in schools, parents and caregivers will be glad to know they can reinforce students' learning by playing STEM games at home.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. One of the key ways kids can succeed in these subjects to draw upon a growth mindset and these STEM games are perfect for developing the logic and perseverance that are essential for a growth mindset!

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

You'll find the following categories of games below:

Logic and Engineering
Strategy and Spatial Development
Math and Logic
Coding and Technology
Science and Strategy
Problem Solving and Cooperation

For more games you'll love, visit: family games that build executive function skills.

Logic and Engineering

Gravity Maze

Find it: Amazon

Gravity Maze is fantastic for developing kids' visual perception, logic and reasoning skills. The game includes a set of translucent tower mazes in various colors, a building tray, metal marbles and a set of challenge cards (ranging from beginning to expert). Each challenge cards dictates a starting point for tower build, indicating which towers are used, and where the marble exit point should be. Players attempt to build a marble run according to the parameters indicated on each challenge card.

You will also like: SINGLE PLAYER LOGIC GAMES

Strategy and Spatial Development

Almost all of the traditional diy board games I regularly feature could fall into the category, "strategy and spatial development." However, I will highlight a pair we love. Check out all the traditional games from around the world you can make yourself.

Five Field Kono

Find it: Learn how to play Five Field Kono

Five Field Kono is an excellent choice for kids who love games like Chinese Checkers. It's a battle-type abstract strategy game from Korea in which players aim to move their team to the opposite side of the board. Players have to strategize and think ahead in order to be successful.

Mū Tōrere

Find it: Learn how to play Mū Tōrere here (We even have a free printable board!)

Mū Tōrere is played by the Maori people of New Zealand. The objective is to prevent your opponent from moving by creating a blockade. The star shaped game board is a fun twist and keeps players on their toes.

Math and Logic

Math Tic Tac Toe

Find it: Learn how to play Math Tic Tac Toe here (with tips for helping kids learn strategy)

This basic math game is perfect for the early grades when kids are working on adding more than two numbers. It helps children practice mental math skills, which are crucial for math success in school. Kids will also have to use basic strategy skills because in order to win you have to plan ahead. Watch the video above to see my son and I playing the game!

Prime Climb

Find it: Amazon

Prime Climb is excellent for kids ages 10 and up. It's fairly fast paced and has won a zillion awards. Playing Prime Climb requires kids to exercise their multiplication and division skills, while also teaching about prime numbers. Watch the video above to see how it's played!

MORE: Award-winning games for each age

Coding and Technology

Hacker

Find it: Amazon

Hacker is a cybersecurity game for ages 10 and up that can be played solo or as a cooperative game. We ended up playing it more often as a cooperative game but it is interesting enough that teens will want to disappear into their rooms with the game to attempt to complete all 120 challenges! There are three steps to the challenges: "code it," hack it" and "fix it." It can seem complicated at first, but fortunately it comes with thoughtfully written and clear instructions.

Code Master Programming Logic Game

Find it: Amazon

Code Master is a single player game that uses programming logic to create a sequence of events that will allow them to navigate a map in search of crystals. There are 10 maps with 60 levels. It is recommended for ages 8 and up. My almost 7 year old has become a little obsessed with it, but he needs me to sit with him and give him a lot of guidance. My 10 year old easily plays by himself. I love how much of a challenge the game is, while also being enjoyable.

You will also like: 5 CODING GAMES FOR KIDS

Science Games

Photosynthesis

Find it: Amazon

Photosynthesis from Blue Orange Games has an environmental theme. Players focus on growing trees through their life cycle from seed to maturity. Players strategize to "plant" their seeds where they will receive the most light, without being blocked in the future by other, maturing, trees. The artwork is beautiful and adds to the unique game play. We have enjoyed playing this game!

Problem Solving and Cooperation

Virtually every game can fit into this category, but some games rely more heavily on rational thinking than others. For single player games you'll definitely want to check out the best single player logic games for kids, but below are a few of our choices for stellar family games.

Chicken War

Find it: Amazon

Chicken War is not only great for problem solving, it requires players to engage their observation skills, making it one of our top games for developing visual perception. Chicken War also has a hilarious premise!

Game play consists of collecting a group of chickens (your army!) with several similar elements and discarding the rest. Elements include color, props, and attire. While you are engaged in forming your own chicken army, you must pay very close attention to your opponents’ chickens because the object is to guess what elements they are using to amass their fowl force. Ages 8 and up.

Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert

Find it: Forbidden Island | Forbidden Desert

We love the Forbidden game series so much, we own both versions. They are also the best cooperative games for ages 8 and up. Players must work together to survive encroaching disasters (floods, drought, storms, etc), while gathering items to ensure their escape. One of my favorite aspects of the game is that each team member has a different special skill, which increases communication between players.

Hoot Owl Hoot

Find it: Amazon

For families with younger kids, hands down our favorite problem-solving cooperative game is Hoot Owl Hoot. It was one of our earliest picks for Game of the Month. Players work together to get all the baby owls back to the nest before the sun rises. Young kids love working with their grown-ups to figure out which colored circle is best to fly their babies to on each turn. And listening to little ones making hooting noises is too cute!

More games you'll love:

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Addition and Subtraction Dice Game to Practice Math Facts

Erica — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 23:16:08 +0000

We all know games are a great way to get in some great math practice with kids. Dice games, in particular, are the perfect tool to keep in your arsenal of materials for quick math learning games. This addition and subtraction dice game is great for kids ages 5 and up who are learning early math skills, or even for precocious 4 year olds who love numbers.

The best part is, this game is super easy to learn. You can print out the instructions to have on hand (see form below) but all you really have to remember is the mantra: "5 dice-4 rolls, add high-subtract low-add high-subtract last."

On to the game!

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

What you need:

2 or more enthusiastic players who have basic addition and subtraction skills
Five dice. We love to play with colored dice! Everything is more fun in vivid color, don't you think?
Pen and paper for keeping score

Objective:

Be the player with the highest score after playing a predetermined number of rounds.

Addition & Subtraction Dice Game Instructions

Decide how long you will play
How long you play is up to you, but decide beforehand to avoid arguments or pleading of "just one more round!!" We recommend five to ten rounds; or you can set a time limit.

A time limit works well if you are trying to pass the time before you have to get up and do something. Say, ten minutes before the brownies are done, or 5 minutes before your kid must–and I really mean it this time!–clean his room.
Determine who goes first
Everyone rolls two dice. Look at your roll; subtract the lower from the higher value. The player with the highest difference starts the game. (Alternatively, let your kid go first because they always insist on going first. Ahem.)
Begin play

The first player, on their turn has four rolls of the dice. They start by rolling 5 dice at once.

On the first roll they set aside the two dice showing the highest numbers, adds them together and records the total.

On the second throw, they roll the remaining three dice and subtract the value of the lowest scoring die from the previous total.

On the third roll, the player throws the final two dice, they add the higher scoring die to the total so far.

On the fourth and final roll, they roll the last die and subtract the value from the total.

The final total is that player's score for that round.
Example turn
For example, player one's turn might look like this:
Roll: 1, 2, 1, 3, 3 Set aside: 3, 3 Total: 6 (3+3)
Roll: 2, 2, 3 Set aside: 2 Total: 4 (6-2)
Roll: 5, 2 Set aside: 5 Total: 9 (4+5)
Roll: 4 Total for round: 5 (9-4)
Complete a round
After player one finishes their turn, play continues to the left. A round is finished when all players have had their four throws.

Record each player's score for the round.
Determine a winner
Add up each player's score for all rounds. The player with the highest score, wins.

Simple, right? This addition and subtraction dice game couldn't be any easier to learn and kids will love it. It's a great game for at home learning or in the classroom.

Need more ideas? Watch how to play another math dice game, Fifty:

More dice games we love:

Sevens, another dice game that reinforces basic math skills
Sequences
Aces in the Pot
Cooperative math dice games
Or check out these other fun dice games using 5 dice!

The post Addition and Subtraction Dice Game to Practice Math Facts appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Trominoes: Mathematical Puzzles for Kids

Erica — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:46:18 +0000

What is a fun, quick math game for kids that they can squeeze into any free moment? Trominoes! Trominoes is an easy pen and paper game that exercises visual perception and spatial reasoning skills, and teaches kids how to think ahead and strategize.

Trominoes may remind you of tetris, and indeed, the concept is similar. We have adapted the traditional single-player tromino puzzle into a two player game for kids. The game is a fun brain teaser with a mathematical puzzle-y twist. And yet, even if you don't care two hoots about the math concepts involved, it is an excellent boredom buster!

What you need:

2 markers in different colors
Game board grid. 5x5 or 8x8 are good grids to start with. Draw your own, or print out ours, which has one large 5x5 grid, one 8x8 grid and 4 small 5x5 grids (fill out the form below to get the pdf)
2 enthusiastic players

Read the following instructions, and then scroll down for some great variations and a single-player puzzle version to extend the learning and fun!

Tromino instructions

Objective
The goal is to be the last player to successfully place a tromino on the game board.
Tromino definition
A tromino is a shape composed of three squares, joined along the edges. You can play with either only L-shaped trominoes, or the L- and l-shaped trominoes.
Game Play Begins
Decide who goes first and if you will use only L-shapes or both L- and l-shapes

Alternating turns, players color the appropriate grid blocks to create a tromino.

See the photo example of the first four moves of a match in which players use only L-shapes.
Winning
The objective of the game is to be the last player able to put a tromino on the board, thus blocking your opponent from playing. In the below example, yellow triumphs because there is no room left for another orange L-shape.
Alternate rules
Before beginning game play, place a star onto any empty square on the grid. That square can no longer be used. Four different game boards options are show below (this is page three of our printable game board). The top two match-ups are completed games.

Variations and Questions

The following ideas are for kids who would like to further explore some of the mathematical concepts of the tromino puzzle or game strategies.

Vary the grid layout. Does the grid need to be square? What happens if you have an uneven number of rows and columns, such as 5x4 or 8x9?

Does it help to go first?

Where is the best place to put your first tromino? Why?

How does using only one or both tromino shapes change the game?

Change the rules so that the player who places the final tromino loses. If the tromino placed last is the loser, how does that change your strategy?

Single Player Tromino Puzzle

Here's how to use the game board grid as a problem-solving exercise for a single player. The goal is the completely fill the grid with L-shaped trominoes. Can it be done?

How many L-shapes can you place on the grid? Using a different color marker for each tromino so you can easily track your work. What if you vary the size of the "L" from 2x1 to 3x1 or 3x2? What if you vary the size of the grid?

I bet your kids can do a much better job than this:

More mathematical puzzlers and games:

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Fun and Simple Multiplication Dice Game

Erica — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 15:56:35 +0000

Want an easy multiplication dice game that kids can play at home or in the classroom? This fun math practice game requires neither specialty dice, nor complicated game boards and printable worksheets.

All you need is one die and a pen and paper to keep score! I do have a free printable score card if you want, but it's not strictly necessary.

And to make learning multiplication even more fun, pair this multiplication game with drawing spirolaterals, a snazzy math art project to practice times tables!

I've seen this game called "game of six" or "Sechser-Spiel" but whatever you call it, players will need to use their recall of the times tables to play. Plus, at the end, kids exercise their addition skills, too!

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

How to Play Multiplication Dice Game

Objective:

To be the player with the highest total score after six rolls of the die.

What you need:

One die. I won't lie, we love it when each player has their own colored die, which is why we own a gazillion dice and why we own these awesome vintage colors dice.
Pen and paper, or our printable score card. (Get it below)
At least 2 enthusiastic players

Multiplication Dice Game rules

Gather your materials!
See above for the list.
Who goes first?
Everyone rolls a die. The player with the highest roll starts the game. Play moves clockwise.
Start off!
Player one throws the die. She records her score for that roll by multiplying the number on the die by one of the numbers on the score card (1-6). Play passes to the next player.
Recording scores
For each turn, the player multiplies the number on the die by a number from 1-6. Each number from 1-6 can only be used once. For example, if a player rolls a 6, she will probably want to multiply it by 6 (36) and enter it in the appropriate box.

However, if she already filled the 6 box on a previous turn, she must choose a number from a vacant box and multiply 6 by that number.
Winning
At the end of 6 turns per player, all the boxes will be filled in. Players then total the results of all 6 rounds. Highest score wins

Dice Game Variation

Included in the printable score card is an extended version of this multiplication dice game in which players roll the die a total of 12 times. It's a longer game but kids will practice higher number equations.

Thoughts on Game Play

Players not only practice multiplication tables, they must strategize as to the best way to accrue points. Do they multiply their 3 by 6 or hold out for a higher roll of 6 in the hopes of scoring 36?

No matter where or how long you play, this multiplication dice game is a great addition to your math learning!

More math dice games:

Cooperative math dice games
Lu-lu dice, a math dice game from Hawai'i
Pi dice game - great for Pi Day, or any day!
Multiplication array game

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