How to Make Math Games that are Fun

Picture this: having math games that are fun for your students, already planned for you, prepped with the click of a button. Better yet, they require no grading on your part, are easy to learn, and have the all-important cooperative learning set-up. Well now you don’t have to imagine that dream life, it’s reality! With simple instructions, tons of practice problems, and the ease of just printing Tic Tac Toe games are the way to go! These math games that are fun are easy for you as the teacher. But they are challenging for kiddos, keeping them focused on the math!

I first tried out Tic Tac Toe games while student teaching with 8th graders and while it can take a ton of prep, the engagement is totally there! I have used Tic Tac Toe games in 8th, 6th, 5th, and 3rd and can attest that all kiddos love them! So much so that they are included in all of my favorite grade level resource roundups.

I love using these easy math games that are fun as a station because once you teach students how to play once, it’s simple to remember. No crazy rules or odd ways of scoring. These games work just like Tic Tac Toe just with a little math sprinkled in.

If you want to learn how I have math stations set up in my classroom then join the free video training series! Inside the 5 videos, you will learn more about the who, what, when, where, why, and how to create the best math stations for you and your students. Drop your email below to gain access to the 5 videos and start using math stations in your classroom this week!

What you Need to Create Math Games that are Fun

I typically use Tic Tac Toe for more algorithm-based math or for vocabulary root word practice in science. Problems that have a clear-cut answer work best for this game.

This type of game works well with worksheets that have answers included. Simply cut the worksheet in half and label the top A and the bottom B. On the back paste the answers to opposite pairs. So partner A has the B answers and partner B has the A answers.

You can utilize worksheets from your curriculum or even free worksheets that you can find online. Having the answer key is huge as it saves you a step in the creation process. You can also make the key yourself if need be.

If you want Tic Tac Toe games already made click over to my TPT shop! I have tons of different boards created for grades 3rd-6th, with more on the way! Have a topic you want boards for? Leave a comment below!

Other supplies you might want to have on hand include page protectors (if you want to reuse boards) or these fancy protectors that are a lot more sturdy. You can also laminate the boards if that works better for you. There aren’t pieces to cut apart so the games store easily in folders or even binders like one of these for easy access.

How to Play Math Tic Tac Toe

Set kiddos up in pairs

If you are using my sets, I label them A&B are 1 pair, C&D are another pair. If the math lesson is playing the game then I will have students play with the A&B. This leaves the C&D set to be used as hands-on practice in my math learning centers. To learn more about how I use math stations in my classroom, check out the post here.

The only supplies students need to play are their game boards, an extra whiteboard for the Tic Tac Toe grid and dry erase markers. No cards to keep track or game pieces to lose or break. I’m all about keeping it easy and low maintenance.

Solving the problems

When playing, both students solve any problem from their board at the same time. This means that there is no waiting around! Everyone is working on their problem at the same time. Once they finish their problem, they check with their partner, who has their answers. For example, partner A has B’s answers and partner B has A’s answers. The self-checking piece of this is huge for me because I don’t want students practicing problems incorrectly. However, I don’t want to be checking over every student’s shoulder. I also don’t want to be grading everything single station students work on as that would be a never-ending amount of grading for me!

How to Play Math Games that are Fun

If they get the correct answer, they take a turn at Tic Tac Toe. I have students make a game board on a whiteboard using expo markers. That way, there aren’t any game pieces to keep track of or anything to get lost or broken. This also keeps the game low prep for me. And let’s be honest, kids love using dry erase markers.

This process keeps going until the Tic Tac Toe game is finished, however, most kids want a rematch! I like to include more problems than needed so that students can keep solving and playing.

Another option I like to give students is multiple problems to choose from. I don’t mind which problem students solve on their papers. So if a student doesn’t want to go in the order they don’t have to! Some students will try to find the ‘easiest’ looking problems so I try to keep problems at about the same rigor level. But I will include 1 or 2 that are easier to give students a boost.

Why These Games Work So Well

Cooperative Learning

Students are working in pairs, which is great if students need help. They have a built-in partner who can help them. Their partner also has the answer so if they get stuck their partner can check their work against the answer. Students don’t have to ask you if they are right. I spend a lot of time building up tutoring skills in students so that they can be helpful to each other. This works out great during math learning center time as students are working with one another and can ask for help.

Simple to Learn

Tic Tac Toe works because it’s simple to learn. You teach the game once and kiddos can easily play it again. The rules and setup of the game stay the same so students can focus on their math skills. Because the math skills are the part of the game that switches, students don’t have to remember the rules and spend time on complicated scoring.

Variety & Challenge

I like to switch out my game boards about twice a month to give variety. This also gives students choice during math learning centers. This is also a great way to review before state tests or as a spiral review option throughout the year. Once we finish a unit I will add those topics into the rotation for game boards. I will take out game board options that we have played a lot or offer a new set on the same topic.

I can also offer challenge game boards in this center for my learners that like a challenge. For example, if we learned 2 digits by 2 digit multiplication I might add a 3 digit times 2 digit game board into the mix as a challenge. It’s amazing how much math students will work on during the game station.

Low Prep

Also, there is no prep*! I simply print the boards, slap in a page protector if I’m feeling fancy, and boom, done! I’m all about making my teacher’s life simpler and these math games that are fun are just the ticket! *If you are making your game boards then you might have to cut a worksheet apart and tape the answers to the back before making copies. But if you are using the ones I’ve made, I’ve done the prep for you 😉

I also love that there aren’t any cards to cut apart and laminate. Or game pieces to keep track of. To play the Tic Tac Toe part, students use a whiteboard to make the grid using dry erase markers. Because I store my game boards in page protectors, students can use dry-erase markers to show their work too.

Looking for other Math Games that are Fun?

I love playing games in math so here are some of my favorites to play in either whole group or small group settings. Math games are a great option for math learning centers, tutoring, or as a whole-class review. They also make great Friday lessons when students are ready for the weekend just as much as you are 🙂

15 Math Games in 15 Minutes or Less: Short on time? This post has an awesome round-up of ideas!

5 Math Games Every Classroom Needs to Play: A couple of great number sense options for your upper elementary classroom

30 Active Math Games and Activities for Kids who Love to Move: I love getting students up and out of their seats with these math games that are fun

I’d love to know any other math games that you have played with your classes! Any low prep options that you love? Drop the game below!

Want to check out Tic Tac Toe? Click on over to my TPT shop and grab a set, the bundle, or a freebie!