Cool math games take challenging concepts like word problems and present them in fun ways . They get children excited about working on them math and learning. We have been working on math word problems featuring addition and subtraction for homework at my house lately. Some of been easy and others more challenging for us.
Why not break the word problems down a little by sharing only a part of the problem at a time? A paper fortune teller or cootie could be used to create cool math games using word problems children made up as they played them.
The word problem fortune teller I created was designed to work with number smaller than ten being subtracted from number larger than ten. There is actually a blank space for the starting number. If children select numbers less than ten, the word problems won’t work. They can pick any number larger than ten. We haven’t worked with numbers larger than 20, but that doesn’t mean you can’t.
Constructing Word Problem Fortune Teller
You start by printing out the Word Problem Fortune Teller (revised) onto plain copy paper.
Then cut out the square around the solid lines.
Fold the square shape in half to form a triangle.
Fold the triangle in half to form a smaller triangle. Then unfold the triangle to return to the square shape.
Fold the corners of the center of the square. Then flip the paper over.
Fold the corners of to the center of the square.
Fold and unfold the bottom section of the square up to the top.
Fold and unfold the left section of the square to the right.
Place the four corners of you square in the center of the square and you are ready to play.
How to Play Word Problem Cool Math Games
There are several ways to build word problems with the fortune teller. Here are a few that would be fun to try:
Basic Game
Two children or an adult and a child can decided what numbers to write on the lines under the words There were. Remember they need to be larger than ten. One person puts the fortune teller over the pointer finger and thumb of both of their hands. The other person picks a number less than ten. Both children count up to that number as the fortune teller opened sideways and top to bottom ways.
Example: If one child picks the number three, the fortune is open three times. It is opened to the side. Then to the top. Finally to the side again. Then one of the children picks the action that takes place in the word problem from the visible inside flaps. Next one person opens the inside flap to find the question they are being asked to solve in the word problem. Both children share the complete word problem and work on solving it together.
How can they solve it:
- Use counters like buttons, chips or blocks.
- Writing the number sentence out of paper
- Drawing picture to illustrate the word problem.
- In their heads
Taking Turns
In this version of the game one person makes all the choices about numbers. Their partner helps them solve the word problem.
On Your Own
This is one of those cool math games you can play on your own. You pick the numbers and the action. Then you illustrate and write out the number sentence that fits that word problem.
Your work can be checked by a partner or teacher later on.
Here are some other cool math games:
(Printable) Number Turkey Math Games
I hope your children enjoy exploring these cool math games with a printable word problem fortune teller. If you do try it, please come back and let me know which cool math games worked best for you or leave a comment on my Facebook page.
If you would like to find more early learning math games and activities, please check out my math Pinterest board.
