Math games are one of the most effective ways to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Unlike traditional worksheets or rote memorization, games provide an interactive and engaging way for students to practice key skills in a low-pressure environment. When students play math games, they build confidence, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and develop a positive attitude toward math. Games also encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance—skills that go beyond the classroom.
Plus, incorporating games into your math block makes learning fun and keeps students motivated. Whether working independently or with a partner, students benefit from the hands-on, repetitive practice that games provide, reinforcing important concepts like place value in an enjoyable way. Your first grade students will love these games! Add them to your place value lesson plans!
Make sure to check out this blog post with a list of picture books to teach place value!
The Importance Of Place Value Mastery
Place value is one of the most important concepts young learners need to master in early math. Without a solid understanding of place value, students will struggle with basic operations like addition and subtraction—and later on, multiplication and division. Understanding how numbers are composed of tens and ones (and eventually with larger numbers in the hundreds and thousands) helps children build number sense, mental math strategies, and problem-solving skills.
However, place value can be tricky for first graders. Many students initially see numbers as a string of digits rather than recognizing that the position of each digit determines its value. For example, a child might struggle to understand why the “3” in the tens place of the number 34 represents 30 rather than simply being a standalone 3. If they don’t grasp this concept early on, it can lead to confusion in later math skills, such as regrouping in addition and subtraction.
By using engaging, hands-on activities and games, teachers can make place value more concrete and fun. Instead of relying solely on worksheets, incorporating movement, manipulatives, and interactive games helps reinforce these essential skills in a meaningful way.
Using Place Value Independent Math Games
Our place value independent games were originally created with social distancing in mind; however, I used independent math games before that! I love having students practicing and strengthen math skills without the fear of getting the correct answer. Sometimes playing a game with friends can create some peer pressure. They are still fun, even alone! It is a great way to have independent work while also having fun. Plus, these independent math games are easy to prep. They can be used as a printed game board or digitally on Google Slides or Seesaw (they are preloaded!).
Counting And Identifying Hundreds, Tens, And Ones
The place value games are aligned to the first grade math standards for place value. One of the common core standards states students should be able to understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones. A handful of games require students to count tens, count tens and ones, and extension activities to count hundreds, tens, and ones. The games include for students to count the place value blocks and find the number and vice versa.
Add And Subtract Multiples Of Ten
One of the first grade math standards is to understand how to add and subtract multiples of ten to a 2-digit number. The two standards state that given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the number, without having to count and subtract multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 from multiples of 10 in the range 10-90. This concept can be tricky for students. Playing these games reinforces the concept and gives them ample opportunity to work on the standard in a relaxed setting.
The games included for this standard include games with two-digit numbers with a 0 in the ones place and a number 1-9 in the ones place.
In this specific game, students spin the spinner. They look at the number they land on and then find the matches. So, in this example if a student lands on the number 54, they would color in the sentences “20 less than 74” and “64-10”. Having to recognize both will help students grasp the place value concept or finding multiples of ten more and ten less.
Comparing Numbers With Greater Than And Less Than
A few of the games are designed to help students understand the concept of greater than and less than with place value. The first grade standard is to compare two 2-digit numbers based on meanings of tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, and <.
Place Value Bingo Boards: A Fun And Effective Way To Reinforce Skills
Another fun math game to use in the classroom is Place Value Bingo! This engaging game provides students with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of place value while having fun. Unlike traditional bingo, where students simply match numbers, Place Value Bingo challenges students to think critically about number representations in different forms. Plus, Bingo is a fun game that kids absolutely love!
How to Play Place Value Bingo
The game is simple to set up and play:
- Each student gets a bingo board filled with numbers in various forms, such as:
- Standard form (e.g., 54)
- Expanded form (e.g., 50 + 4)
- Base-ten block representation
- Word form (e.g., “fifty-four”)
- Number of tens and ones (e.g., 5 tens and 4 ones)
- The teacher calls out a number, but instead of just saying “54,” they might say:
- “Five tens and four ones”
- “50 + 4”
- Show base-ten blocks that represent 54
There are calling cards to print or digital slides on Google Slides. You can show them on the SmartBoard or use in math centers where students use the tablet to see what number to cover.
3. Students find the matching number on their bingo board and cover it. The first student to get five in a row shouts “Bingo!” and wins.
Why Place Value Bingo Works
This game is effective because it reinforces multiple ways of representing numbers, which is a key component of place value understanding. It also:
✔ Encourages quick mental math—Students must quickly process different number representations.
✔ Engages all learners—Every student participates, rather than just one or two raising their hands.
✔ Supports different learning styles—Visual learners benefit from base-ten blocks, while auditory learners process verbal cues.
✔ Provides independent or partner play—It can be used as a whole-class game, small group activity, or independent center.
Ways to Differentiate Place Value Bingo
To make the game accessible for all learners, try these variations:
- For struggling students: Use only two-digit numbers and stick to standard and base-ten forms.
- For advanced students: Incorporate three-digit numbers, subtraction clues, or require students to explain their reasoning before covering a number.
- For partner play: One student calls out clues while the other finds the matching number.
By incorporating Place Value Bingo into your math block, you’re giving students meaningful, engaging, and hands-on practice with this essential skill.
Other Engaging Place Value Games
In addition to the place value games listed above, try out these as well to add to a place value lesson!
- Place Value Snowstorm: Each students has base ten blocks on their desk. On a piece of paper, each student writes a number. Then, they crumple up the paper and throw it like a snowball somewhere in the classroom. Then, they must find a crumpled up paper, go back to their desk, and make the given number with their base ten blocks.
- Roll & Build Place Value: Students roll dice to create two-digit or three-digit numbers and represent them with base-ten blocks.
- Place Value War: A twist on the classic card game where students compare numbers.
How To Use Place Value Math Games
Incorporating place value games into your math instruction is an excellent way to provide engaging, hands-on practice while differentiating for student needs. These games are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to support your instruction and reinforce place value concepts.
1. Small Group Instruction
Using place value games in small group lessons allows you to provide targeted instruction and differentiate based on student needs. Here’s how:
- Reinforce skills: Use games as a warm-up or review activity to strengthen students’ understanding before diving into direct instruction.
- Identify misconceptions: As students play, you can observe their thinking and correct any misunderstandings in real time.
- Differentiate learning: If one group needs more practice with tens and ones while another is ready for a 3-digit number, you can modify the game difficulty accordingly.
For example, if you’re working with students who are just starting to grasp place value, you might focus on identifying and counting tens and ones using base-ten blocks. For students who are ready for more of a challenge, you can introduce games that involve adding and subtracting multiples of ten or comparing numbers using greater than and less than symbols.
2. Whole Class Activities
Place value games aren’t just for small groups—they can also be used during whole-class instruction to keep students engaged and encourage participation.
- Warm-ups and lesson introductions: Start your math block with a quick game to activate prior knowledge and set the tone for learning.
- Interactive practice: Incorporate games as part of a guided lesson where students take turns solving problems on whiteboards or engaging in friendly competition.
- Brain breaks: Short games can be a great way to break up longer lessons and give students a fun, yet educational, movement break.
3. Partner and Independent Practice
Many place value games can be played independently, which is ideal for students who need extra practice without feeling pressured to compete.
- Partner games encourage peer collaboration and help students explain their thinking to each other.
- Independent games allow students to work at their own pace, ensuring that they focus on their individual learning needs.
For instance, a student working independently might use Place Value Bingo to reinforce number forms, while two students working together might play a greater than/less than game where they compare numbers and place a counter on the correct symbol.
Using Place Value Games in Math Centers
Math centers are an essential part of an effective math block, allowing students to practice skills in a structured yet engaging way. Place value games make an excellent addition to your centers because they encourage active learning while providing much-needed repetition and reinforcement.
Why Use Place Value Games in Math Centers?
Math centers allow students to:
✔ Practice place value skills in a hands-on way instead of just completing worksheets.
✔ Work at their own level with differentiated game options.
✔ Build confidence in their math abilities through engaging and interactive activities.
✔ Develop independence by following game instructions and working through challenges on their own.
Setting Up Place Value Math Centers
A successful math center needs to be organized, engaging, and easy for students to navigate. Here’s how to set up place value games in your centers:
- Choose a variety of gamesthat target different skills, such as:
- Counting and identifying tens and ones
- Adding and subtracting multiples of ten
- Comparing numbers with greater than/less than symbols
- Provide clear instructions and examples so students can play independently. Visual cue cards or short videos explaining the game rules can help.
- Use task cards, spinners, or dice to add a fun, interactive element to each game.
- Rotate games weekly to keep students engaged and prevent them from losing interest.
Examples of Place Value Math Center Games
- Spin and Compare: Students spin a number wheel, build the number using base-ten blocks, and compare it to a partner’s number using >, <, or =.
- Place Value Match-Up: Students match numbers in standard, expanded, and base-ten form.
- Place Value Bingo: A fun independent game where students identify numbers based on their place value clues.
- Mystery Number Game: Students are given clues about a number’s tens and ones and must figure out the correct number.
- Scavenger Hunt: On post-it notes, write a number (e.g., 54) and then tell students to hunt for the number “5 tens and 4 ones”. This is a fun way to get your students up and moving.
By incorporating these engaging, low-prep activities into your math centers, you’ll ensure that students get the repetitive practice they need while having fun with math!
Add These Place Value Math Activities To Your Math Lessons
Your 1st graders will love these these fun math games.
Add our place value math games to your day by clicking the links below!
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Add our place value bingo boards to your day by clicking the links below!
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