Math Games for 1st Graders

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What topics should a first grader know in geometry?

Ans: A first grader should be able to identify 2D and 3D shapes. They can identify basic features of different 2D and 3D shapes. They should also be able to partition shapes into halves and fourths.

Q2: How to teach fact families for addition and subtraction to first grade kids?

Ans: First grade kids know addiiton and subtraction of numbers upto 20. Fact families can be easily formed using this knowledge. For example, fact families for 8 can be 5 + 3 = 8 and 8 - 3 = 5

Q3: What do you learn in math in the first grade?

Ans: In first grade we learn counting numbers upto 120, we learn addition and subtraction strategies like count on and count back through objects and also by using a number line  for numbers within 20. We learn to order and compare numbers within 20. In first grade children should also learn to count money, read and tell time, measure length, read data, identify 2D and 3D shapes and partition shapes into halves and fourths.

Q4: What is a fact in math?

Ans: Fact is a set of related addition or subtraction and multiplication or division sentence. For example: 2 + 4 = 6 and 6 - 4 = 2 are facts.

 

The main purpose of Math common core standards is to reinforce opportunities for learning and developing necessary skills. currently, even in the primary phase education, the educational pedagogies are completely based on instruction based or knowledge based learning, limiting the learning domain of the child.

Learning of mathematics should not be limited to imparting only the theoretical and factual knowledge with properly defined procedures and tasks to carry out; instead from the research standpoints, the overall aim of the mathematics curriculum should be the development of mathematical proficiency amongst the children.

This type of technique helps child to connect with their immediate surroundings, developing his knowledge domain, for example arithmetical operations; where the child applies appropriate mathematical skills in selecting right operations for problem solving, knowing when to perform addition or subtraction.

Children are often taught to know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, but may still be unable to decide which to do when faced with a real problem. The major goals of these fun games for kids are to stimulate child’s mathematics task motivation, build up self-concept by involving them in solving simple everyday math problems that apply to real life.  This also facilitates their growth from one level to another level of education.  online math problem solvers and learning games are a great way to develop a foundation for math skills playfully and are in alignment with the core curriculum.

The puzzle games and math worksheets focus on building their mathematical skills of arithmetic, algebra, numbers, geometry etc. These funbrain games helps the children to master the skill of simple addition, subtraction, recognize various 2D and 3D shapes and patterns; Numeracy skills , measurement of time and money without compromising on their playtime.

The Core Areas for Grade 1

 

 

Counting from 1-10: Puzzles for kids

Simple number games for kids that builds math skills of numbers identification and counting from 1-10.

Different pictures as shown in the image below appears on the screen one after the other. The child counts the number of objects in each and clicks on the correct number from the number trail given below.

Chu-Chu addition train: Step by step math

An interesting online learning games for kids based on mental math strategies.

• In this game, a chu-chu train passes in front of the kid slowly so that there is sufficient time to count and add.  
• Look at the chu chu train carrying the animals.
• How many animals are there in each train?  
• The kids count the number of animals in each train and try to add them using fingers.
• At the end of the train, there are flags swinging in air that carry the correct answer.
• Click on the correct answer.
• The number of animals can be increased so that the child learns to count numbers from 1-20.

Tens and Ones worksheets: tens frames worksheets

To help count and add big numbers, one can group the numbers in tens and ones.

This way a first grader will learn that 0-20 numbers can be broken into parts.

For example (defining addition problem),

Maggie goes to buy two trays of eggs with her mother. She wants to know how many eggs needs to be added to a single tray to make 14 eggs.

Thus in this addition word problem, the addend is missing.

Maggie has already developed math skill of counting numbers. She knows that there are 10 eggs in one tray.

Perform the simple math activity to find out more about addition beyond number 10. A child can make use of tens frame or tens block to solve the math problem.

Double Trouble: Addition worksheets for 1st grade 

Child learns to pair up same number and add. This single digit and 2 digit addition activity is based on repetitive addition and builds a foundation for multiplication in the later stage.

Ten take away: Subtraction game for kids

Child uses tens frame to find out what is left behind when something is taken out.

The missing link: Number Question game for kids

This number game worksheet is used to assess the knowledge of math for numbers 1-100. The child identifies the number pattern in each image and writes down the number missing from the trail.

As the child writes down the correct number, the train moves ahead on its track and the next coach appears on screen.

This is an effective online game for kids based on numbers and operations.  

The airplane check-in: Math Puzzle games for kids 

This math challenge is designed for math common core curriculum. It can be used as a math brain teaser for practicing math addition at school and at home.  

This learning game for first graders can be used as a simple addition worksheet or designed as interactive online games for kids.

Children solve the math step by step.  Solve each clue given at the bottom of the airplane. Choose the correct answer by clicking on the window pane of the airplane. The number that is left at the last is the answer to this number puzzle.

Grade 1 Geometry Games

A. Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.

 

All shapes aboard: Shape Puzzle

This kids’ learning games deals with different types of shapes that children learn in first grade math.  

This kids educational game helps in:

• Learning shapes
• Identifying the number patterns

What comes next? Math puzzles for Kids

It is a simple math game for 1st grader, where the child tries to understand the pattern hidden in various shape pictures that appears on the screen.  The child then tries to find the missing shape in the pattern from the options given below.

The child develops math fluency in identifying various shape design. The child also learns various shapes and their names while indulging themselves in these math cool games.

Shape games for first graders

Learn math online with in a playful way with these math puzzles. The level of the math activity keeps growing with every correct answer.

B. Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, half-circles, and quarter-circles) or three-dimensional shapes (cubes, right rectangular prisms, right circular cones, and right circular cylinders) to create a composite shape, and compose new shapes from the composite shape.

Shape Games: three dimensional shape sorting

This is one of the interesting online math games for kids.

In this 1st grade math activity, a variety of 3D objects of the specific shapes appear on the screen one after the other and the child identifies and sorts the objects in different categories according to the 3 D shapes.

This math activity can also be used as shapes worksheets for teaching math for 1st grade.  

The teachers can also prepare 2-D and 3-D shape chart for the kids for recall purpose.

Match that shape:  Fun math games online

In this math game for 1st grade, 2-d shapes appear on the screen one after the other. A trail of 3 D shapes appear simultaneously at the bottom of the screen. The child matches the 2 D shape with its 3 D shape counterpart.

This kids educational game for 1st grader helps in developing math skills for linking 2-D shapes with 3D shapes.

World of Shapes: Interactive online math game for kids

This shape match is a fun educational game for kids to learn and practice 2D and 3D shapes. Children click on the door of the museum to open. They identify the shape of the door is a rectangle by clicking on it. As the child enters into the museum, there are different artifacts and painting across both sides of the passage. The children are instructed to identify a particular shape on at a time: say a square, a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, a pentagon, hexagon etc. In the similar manner children are instructed to identify 3 D shapes such as a cube, cuboid, sphere, cone, cylinder etc.

Once the level one is cleared, the child moves up the staircase to next level of the museum building.

The same math shape game can also be designed with a farm theme.

Color by Shape: Math for first graders

A simple kids’ puzzle that helps the children recall and recognize different shapes and patterns. It helps them in learning shapes.

C. Partition circles and rectangles into two and four equal shares, describe the shares using the words halves, fourths, and quarters.

This fun math activity deals with partitioning of shapes. A set of 4 shapes representing fractions appears on the screen along with one of the fraction questions written in the image below. The child combines the similar fractions by clicking on each partitioned shape.

Measurement Games for grade 1

Measurement of length : Online games for kids

Cubes can be used as a simple math tool for measurement of height of a building. These cubes can be arranged vertically one over the other and the number of cubes used for attaining the same height can be recorded in the space provided. These online math problems for 1st graders helps in familiarizing with the world of measurement used in everyday math.

Children develop an understanding of the meaning and processes of measurement, including underlying concepts such as iterating (the mental activity of building up the length of an object with equal-sized units)

 

Telling and writing time : School games online

Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks. Understand the differences between the two hands on the clock and the functions of these hands. First Graders notice when the hour hand is directly pointing at a number, or when it is slightly ahead/behind a number. In addition, using language, such as “about 5 o’clock” and “a little bit past 6 o’clock”, children begin to read an hour clock with some accuracy.They learn to read analog and digital clocks and tell time orally.

Identification of coins and notes

These learning games and activities for kids instruct them to identify different coins and money notes, count the basic currency and add up simple money values. Such money counting games are in sync with the real world situation and will help the child to calculate simple money for shopping in a department store in a joyful manner. These games enable children to be a part of the real world and hence boost their confidence with these newly acquired skills.

In US, we use dollars and cents as currency values. We pay in notes and coins to buy things. The manipulative used for identifying currency values is to bring to the classroom fake/ playful notes and coins.

Match the correct money value.

In the above game the child learns to identify different coins and their values. A similar fun math activity can be formed with different dollar bills.