Updated:

May 20, 2023

picture of boardgames

While I have many games made specifically for teaching math listed on this site, there are also lots of classic board games that can be used to develop math skills. They are beneficial just as they are but many also have adaptations you can easily make to focus on specific skills.

Here are a few you should have:

Battleship

What better way to introduce the coordinate plane and ordered pairs than Battleship?

Here is a free printable version of the traditional game.

Clue

I use Clue to introduce using a matrix to solve logic puzzles.

If you’re interested there is even an academic research paper on the effectiveness of Clue to teach logic!

Clue Jr is great for younger children.

Mastermind

Mastermind combines the strategy taught in Stratego and the deduction skills taught in Clue. Players must crack the code to figure out each other’s pattern.

You can play Mastermind free against the computer at this site

Stratego or Strategy Jr

Stratego is a great introduction to strategy. Players must capture the flag to win the military battle.

Monopoly

Classic Monopoly is an excellent way to teach counting money and making change (the newest electronic versions use a debit card and take this away, so you might want to get an older one.)

Using (shortened) Monopoly to teach math

I also love Monopoly Jr and Discover Monopoly for younger kids!

Connect Four

Connect Four Add to 10 Variation

Other math games using Connect Four

Math center ideas using Connect Four (written by a 1st grade teacher but she includes ideas for higher grades)

Jenga

Here’s a whole post of free games using Jenga to teach 4th and 5th grade math

Free Jenga addition and multiplication fact games

Here’s a great set of Jenga activities for primary math (currently $3 cost)

Guess Who

Guess Who itself is a great game for young children to practice deductive reasoning by coming up with their own questions. If you want to make it more math specific for older kids, trade out the people cards for mathematical versions. There are premade sets available on TPT if you want to buy one, or you can easily make your own.

Also see my posts on Racko, Suspend, Rummikub, Mancala and Using Uno For Fact Practice.

Leave a Reply
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Mastering Math 

Through Play

Check out my BRAND NEW ebook and get my personal Top-10 list of the best math resources for your child that make learning fun. It's new and I'm giving it away for FREE right now!

mastering math through play book

Get INSTANT ACCESS to my brand new e-book that helps kids improve their math grades and find a love for math!