Games help kids embrace practicing math in a fun and exciting ways. For 2nd grade students, it’s important to take school work and make it part of their everyday life. The older children get the harder it might be for them to find educational games that don’t feel like homework. With the right math games and some tips, kids might turn screen time into learning time. Let’s look at some fun games and websites that make math fun for 2nd graders.
How to introduce educational games into 2nd Grade Learning
Games are a great way to support and practice what kids learn in class, but it’s not a replacement for learning. Introducing games into learning isn’t as simple as searching “Math games”, parents and educators have to find the right games to work hand-in-hand with what students are learning in school. Games can be a great way to use the skills you learn, but it’s not a one-time move. Adapt to what’s being taught in school with new games to keep the learning fresh. Learning through games makes it fun and engaging, especially when done together.
Keep track of what kids are learning and make sure that the math games they are playing match up. Playing games above a kid’s knowledge level can create anxiety. These nerves can make it harder to learn new skills when they are being taught. That doesn’t mean sticking to the same old games they like. Challenge kids while playing games, it’s part of the fun. If kids stick to the games they liked in 1st grade, they don’t use the knowledge they are learning currently. Having fun challenges can help kids get excited about learning, but games might also help parents and teachers learn what kids are struggling with. In research done by the American Psychological Association, games have been shown to help kids with participation, engagement, and even social-emotional learning.
Fun Math Games for 2nd Graders and Their Families
Let’s play some math games! Games can be used to help support what kids are learning in 2nd grade math. Here are some fun board games, websites, and apps for a 2nd grader’s to find their math game.
Board Games
Check the Fridge:
This fun card game is perfect for the whole family. This game helps kids work on adding while trying to stop other players from getting the cards they need through bluffing. If there’s a game that helps kids and parents work on math without realizing it, “Check the Fridge” is it.
Head Full of Numbers® Math Game:
This game catches your attention with a funny character and exciting time-based play. This game feels like a math mix of Yahtzee and race. Roll dice for numbers to create, and answer, as many equations as you can within the time limit. This game is not only about solving math problems, but helps kids work on creating equations and using mental math.
tri-FACTa!™ Addition & Subtraction Game:
A fun game that mixes math equations and scrabble. “tri-Facta!” is a great way to build math equations, instead of building words, in fun ways. The goal is to build complete math problems with number tiles. Whoever gets rid of all their tiles first wins. This is a great way to practice addition and subtraction up to 20 while building an understanding of building equations mentally.
Online Games and Apps
Prodigy:
An action-adventure game where math makes magic! For children who love playing games like Pokémon, Legend of Zelda, or Animal crossing, this web-based game is perfect for them. This isn’t just a great math game, it’s a fun video game kids will love. Great for multiple grades, this game grows with the knowledge level of the children playing. Rewarding, challenging, and fun, this game offers both free and paid versions.
Math Playground:
Math Playground is filled with math games for 2nd grade and beyond. While Math Playground is an amazing free resource it does come with a caveat. Free games come with a plethora of ads that can slow down gameplay. A great site to make screen time educational, parents should make sure kids are working on the skills they are learning in school. Staying with older skills and easier games won’t help grow knowledge. Math Playground has games for now and when you start learning more advanced math.
Integrating Math Games with Online Learning (Gamified Learning)
Games make reviewing concepts fun, even in class. Some online math classes and tutoring programs use games to cement knowledge and create a break from normal classes. Online programs like Spark Math By Spark Education use gamified learning within classes to help 2nd grade students play games with the support of live teachers. Teachers are able to help students through the games. This helps them understand what concepts students may be struggling with. Working together builds social learning skills. Social learning is a skill that helps kids develop teamwork skills they will use in school and throughout life.
Math and games work together to practice, master, and enjoy the math kids learn in 2nd grade. Not only are math games getting better, but math is becoming part of mainstream games like Roblox and Minecraft. Math doesn’t have to be a struggle that kids don’t find joy in. Today, it’s a fun way to battle dragons, have fun with friends and family, and grow skills that can help kids build their own games in the future. Make math time an adventure, with games the whole family can enjoy.
Spark Math by Spark Education uses live teachers and gamified learning to help make math more engaging and fun for all students. Sign up for a FREE trial class today and try it for yourself!
