In Failure to Disrupt, Justin Reich proposes that math education is the subject most enhanced by the use of Edtech. One of the easiest ways to do that is through games. Here is a list of 6 excellent games, available at low to no cost, listed in age from youngest student to oldest.
Early Math with Gracie & Friends – Ages 2-5 – Website – Free
Early math education can jumpstart later math and reading achievement. First 8 Studios has a wonderful series of games to teach early simple math and science concepts.
Math Lingo – Ages 2-7 – App – Free but offers In-App Purchases
Colorful and engaging games to practice math
Times Table Rockstars – Ages 5-11 – 4 week free trial, subscription model after 4 weeks- Website and App
TTRS is the most popular game on this list. It is used by many school districts, so many students use it for free. It allows students to create their own avatar and helps the kids to learn multiplication tables and division facts in a fun and exciting way.
TVO mPower – Ages 5-12 – Website – Free
TVO is the technological extension of Ontario, Canada’s public education system. It has created a number of great games for elementary age students and has won many awards. TVO mPower is the name of their math games.
Scratch TVO mPower and Scratch Jr. – Ages 5-16 – Website – Free
Scratch is a coding language from MIT with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. Scratch is designed, developed, and moderated by the Scratch Foundation, a nonprofit organization. While Scratch is actually a programming tool, it teaches math concepts as the student designs and creates their projects. It also has the world’s largest coding community for children.
Note: While doing research, I came across this article, Scratch has a marketing problem , which explains why the simple cartoon interface that Scratch uses is great for young kids but could be a turnoff for middle and high schoolers. The author of the article recommends WoofJS as a Scratch inspired tool more attractive to older learners. It is also free.
CanFigureIt Geometry – Ages 12-18 – Website – Free
A really good way for Geometry students to learn about proofs and explore them from a number of angles. They allow students to flex their deductive reasoning muscles with geometric proofs. Unfortunately they recently lost funding and, while the site is still free to educators, there is no tech support to help you troubleshoot any issues that come up.
We hope you enjoy this list and let us know about any math games you love!
More Stories
Blackboard’s LMS marketshare shrinks for another year as Canvas’ dominance grows
In recent years, the learning management industry has grown rapidly as technology and innovations continue to transform the way that...
3 Ways ChatGPT can help teachers and 5 reasons it won’t replace them
Ever since ChatGPT came on the scene there have been a lot of hysterical articles detailing why education will never...
Esports could help re-diversify a shrunken curriculum
Esports and schools feel like a pretty strange fit. Regular sports have always gone with schools, but adding esports still...
AI’s first education conquest may be in ECE
The internet is all a-flutter with worries and speculation about what ChatGPT and AI in general might do to K-12...
ChatGPT and the Future of Education at FETC
The FETC conference is going on right now in New Orleans and sadly, the conference has a paltry online offering....
Dr. Vince Carbino and the relationships behind personalized learning
When we talk about education on this site, we are often talking about the systems of education. Curricula, standards, teacher...