It’s no secret that games are a huge part of the classroom. In 5th grade, math games are a hit with my students, and the games get them learning new math skills and practicing spiraled skills without even realizing it. They’re just having so much fun during math class!
I use 5th grade math games for the classroom all the time after teaching my whole group math lessons. Sometimes we play teacher vs. class (or whole class math games also work), and other times I use these games in small groups. When my kids know how to play a game, I have left the game in my sub plans as well.
Fifth graders love a good game, and the research tells us that gamification of our content is one of the best ways for our students to learn. I mean, who doesn’t love multiplying whole numbers in a fun way? Here are some of the reasons I use fifth grade math games in my 5th grade classroom.
5th Grade Math Games for the Classroom: MATH GAMES INCREASE ENGAGEMENT
When I get to use 5th grade math games in my classroom, it’s always a hit because of the high engagement with my students. Concepts that my kids groan about, like multiplying fractions, is usually met with groans and moans. However, when I tell them we’re practicing this skill with fun math games, those moans and groans turn into cheers!
My students want to earn points and win the game, so they are entirely motivated to answer more questions. It’s a win-win for me and my students as they get solid math practice in during our class.
Games make math fun!
5th Grade Math Games for the Classroom: GAMES HAVE BUILT-IN FEEDBACK FOR STUDENTS
One thing that can exaggerate a student’s misconceptions of a math skill is when they’re working on an assignment and keep making mistakes, but no one is available to help or intervene. Before you know it, they’ve completed all of the math problems the wrong way, and they’ve reinforced the skill incorrectly in their mind.
When we play 5th grade classroom math games, one of my management procedures I teach is making sure kids are helping each other and checking each other’s work. It’s easy to look at a peer’s work and say, “Haha, they got it wrong, I get a point!”. However, that’s not the goal of a math game. We work together on math games, and 5th grade students are coached to step in and provide help and hints when the student they are playing against makes an error. This is a great way to reinforce SEL skills as well!
For example, when we play the Dividing Fractions Game, both students calculate the value of the number, even if it’s not their turn. This way, we’re all practicing the skill and we’re able to provide support to each other and find the correct answer to the problem! This is the perfect way to keep the kids engaged during the whole game instead of staring at the other person while they complete their calculations.
5th Grade Math Games for the Classroom: GAMES CAN BE DIFFERENTIATED
Depending on the needs of my 5th graders, I can differentiate each of the 5th grade math games to make them more accessible or more challenging. One easy way to do this is by assigning partners based on formative assessment data (such as an exit ticket from the lesson).
When we play our Order of Operations game, I purposefully pair kids up based on how much scaffolding they need. For example, some of my kids are ready for brackets and other grouping symbols, so I’ll have them work together. Other kids are going to need support to use parentheses correctly, and I’ll pair them up (with me nearby, of course!)
Another easy way to differentiate games is to give varied stopping points on the game board. For example, if I have students who are struggling with a grade level concept and/or work more slowly than peers, I’ll change where the game ends to lower their anxiety and frustration level. After all, a frustrated kid isn’t going to be learning!
5th Grade Math Games for the Classroom: GAMES REDUCE MATH ANXIETY
Ohhh, the number of kids I’ve worked with over the years who have math anxiety is high! I have heard so many kids say things like “I hate math!” or “I’m just not a math person.” This is usually in response to math worksheets, so adding 5th grade math games to your lesson plans is going to be one way you can change their mindset on this.
Games have a natural sense of fun and silliness to them, so when kids are playing math games, they immediately walk into the experience more relaxed. Even when frustration begins to mount, I remind students that “It’s just a game”!
Games really do help kids see just how much of a math person they are, and they can fall in love with math while playing a great game and having fun! Your entire class will benefit from math games.
5th Grade Math Games for the Classroom: GAMES HELP STUDENTS PRACTICE AND REINFORCE SKILLS
5th grade math games transform repetitive practice into an engaging activity. Traditional methods, like worksheets and drills, can become monotonous and don’t capture my students’ interest. However, when I use game format, students are more likely to engage willingly. The enjoyable nature of games keeps students motivated and attentive, ensuring they practice key math skills without the process feeling tedious.
For example, adding and subtracting fractions is one of those skills that 5th graders just need to practice. There’s no way around it. But when we have these problems in a game format, students can practice the skills and reinforce strategies to solve problems.
Games also help reinforce problem-solving skills, especially when they get to practice their math skills in real-world problems.
Using 5th grade math games in the classroom is a game changer. You can even send these math games home for extra practice. I hope that you’re able to take at least one of these fun game ideas and run with it in your classroom!
If you want all of the engaging games for the entire year of 5th grade curriculum, including skills like understanding the coordinate plane and ordered pairs, finding equivalent fractions, operations with decimal numbers, place value, numerical expressions, and more, you can grab it by clicking the image below.
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