18 Fun and Free First Grade Math Games and Activities
1. Counting Caterpillar: Help first graders practice their counting skills with this fun game. Draw a caterpillar and number each segment. The child has to count and touch each segment in order.
2. Race to 100: Create a simple board game where players roll a dice and move their markers forward. The first person to reach 100 wins! This game helps in number recognition and addition.
3. Shape Scavenger Hunt: Take children on a shape hunt around the house or classroom. Give them a list of shapes to find and check them off as they spot each shape.
4. Measure Me: Let students measure different objects using non-standard units like paperclips or paper squares. They can compare the lengths and discuss their findings.
5. Number Line Hopscotch: Draw a number line outside and have students hop on the numbers according to different instructions, such as counting by 2s or subtracting 10.
6. Domino Addition: Use a set of dominoes to help students practice addition. They can count the dots on each side and write the corresponding equation.
7. Money Match-Up: Create flashcards with different coin values and ask students to match the coins to their values. This activity helps in identifying coins and counting money.
8. Skip Counting Puzzles: Make puzzles where students have to arrange number sequences in the correct order by skip counting. For example, they can arrange numbers by counting by 5s.
9. Fraction Pizza: Use paper or cardboard to create pizza slices and label them with different fractions. Students can assemble the slices to understand fractional parts.
10. Race Around the Clock: Set up a race where students have to move the hands on a clock to match the given time. This game helps in learning to tell time.
11. Addition Bingo: Create bingo cards with addition equations and call out the sums. Students have to mark the corresponding equations on their cards.
12. Roll and Add: Give each student a dice and a set of number cards. They have to roll the dice and add the corresponding numbers on the cards. The first person to reach a target sum wins!
13. Shape Sorting: Provide a variety of objects in different shapes and ask students to sort them into appropriate categories. This activity reinforces shape recognition.
14. Number Bonds: Give students sets of cards with numbers and ask them to find the missing number that completes the number bond. This helps in understanding number relationships.
15. Pattern Train: Create a pattern using different shapes or colors and ask students to extend the pattern on paper. They can discover and create their own patterns.
16. Greater or Less: Display two numbers and ask students to identify which one is greater or less. This game reinforces comparison skills.
17. Time Capsule: Have students collect objects that represent their current grade and create a time capsule. They can also write about their favorite math activities.
18. Shape Bingo: Create bingo cards with different shapes and call out the shape names. Students have to mark the corresponding shapes on their cards.
These 18 fun and free first-grade math games and activities are a great way to engage students and reinforce key math concepts. Enjoy!”