Operations & algebraic thinking games + a free hands-on math word problem solving game

I’ve been working hard over the past six weeks, and the Operations and Algebraic Thinking math partner game sets are now complete! These games are designed for (not retro-fitted to) Common Core standards in grades 1-5.

I’m very excited about the games because they’re not just rote practice, matching, and sorting–they all incorporate higher-level thinking and critical thinking skills, as well as hands-on activities through which kids actively construct knowledge. No worksheets! The game instructions have options for open-ended game play as well as challenge activities to extend game play and/or differentiate it, along with Math Talk questions/prompts to encourage students to analyze strategies and reflect orally or in writing about what they’re learning.

The slideshow below shows all the math partner games I’ve completed so far. They’re $1 each and sold as a bundle so you have everything you need for the CCSS domain. Click any one of game sets to learn more:

I know that many of you don’t have the budget to purchase (yet another) item for your classroom, so I’m making one of the most important activities from the Operations and Algebraic Thinking games available for free: word problem solving. Here’s how it works: you print the game cards and number cards for the range of abilities in your classroom–I’ve explained which pages are for each grade level in the download so it’s easy to provide differentiated practice. Students can then use the number cards and game boards to create and solve math word problems in whole or small group activities, or in your math centers or workstations. 5th grade teachers, the CCSS don’t specifically mention having students solve operations and algebraic thinking word problems, but of course it’s an important skill, and the product would be very useful for your students, as well. Click the image below to download:

If you want to be notified via email as soon as each new grade level and game set is added to TeachersPayTeachers, you can follow my store.

Thank you, as always, for your support! Enjoy!