Beginning Computation Games

These beginning computation games are designed to help your young children use number sense to build computation skills.

Print these beginning computation games as another free resource for teachers and families from The Curriculum Corner.

We have created these beginning computation games to provide easy-to-assemble math games for your classroom.

These activities will fit best into your first or third grade classroom.

More or Less Game

Print and laminate a set of our five and ten frames. You will find them in this download: Tools for Math Workshop.

You will also print the more or less cards provided in the download at the bottom of this post.

Students will now have two stacks of cards.

They will draw a card from each pile.

Students will then create an equation using these two cards.

For example, they might have a ten frame showing three dots. If they draw a more or less card that says 2 more, they will write 3 + 2 = 5.

As an extension for students who are ready, you can include the double and the double plus on card.

Add these two when students master one and two more or less.

Students can use the recording page included in the PDF download to write their equations.

Reach the Nest Game

This game can be played by up to three children at a time.

Students will need a die and markers to cover the spots.

Children will take turns rolling the die.

They will then count out the number of markers and begin filling their column.

The first student to fill their column is the winner.

Students must get exactly the right number to win.

In the Cup, On the Side Game

Set up this activity by printing and laminating the number cards.

Students will need small paper cups and counters along with a copy of the recording page.

The first student draws a number card. They will put that number of counters in the cup.

The student will then roll the die and put that number of counters beside the cup.

The student will write an equation on their paper using the counters. The answer will tell how many counters they have in all.

How Can you Make the Number?

For this activity you need one of our printable Make the Number pages and manipulatives for students to use.

One ideas is to use dry lima beans and spray paint them on one side. These are inexpensive and easy to make.

Each students needs a handful of beans or other counters.

They then count out the number on the cloud. Using their counters, they will find different ways to make the number.

For example, if the cloud says 6, students might record the following:

• 1 + 5
• 2 + 4
• 3 + 3

You can download these free beginning computation games printables here:

Math Download

Looking for other math resources to build number sense and computation skills? Try these freebies:

As with all of our resources, The Curriculum Corner creates these for free classroom use. Our products may not be sold. You may print and copy for your personal classroom use. These are also great for home school families!

You may not modify and resell in any form. Please let us know if you have any questions.