Math
Grades:
Elementary School
They all add up to fun!
ByJill Staake, B.S., Secondary ELA Education
Jun 4, 2024
1 + 1 = 2. It’s the basic foundation for every child’s math education and the building block to a whole world of learning. Addition is usually the first of the four operations that kids tackle, and mastering it is key to success for years to come. Try these fun addition activities in the classroom or at home to help your students become math wizards in no time!
Jump to:
Hands-On Addition Activities and Games
Online Addition Games
Hands-On Addition Activities and Games
Build math block towers
Lay out flash cards, and then use blocks to create towers that answer the problems. Addition activities like this incorporate visual and hands-on techniques, honoring a variety of learning strategies.
Learn more: Math Block Towers
ADVERTIsem*nT
Make a dice calculator
This is bound to be a ton of fun! Kids drop a die through each cup, then add up the numbers that fall through. So simple and so enjoyable.
Learn more: Dice Calculator
Create an addition apple tree
Hands-on addition activities really make learning stick. Learn how to make and use this adorable addition apple tree at the link.
Learn more: Addition Apple Tree
Use stickers for hands-on practice
Sticker dots are inexpensive—you can usually pick them up at the dollar store. Little ones will really get a kick out of using them to answer a series of addition problems.
Learn more: Dot Sticker Addition Activity
Park and add with toy cars
Roll out the toy cars and trucks! Use them as math manipulatives as you work on addition facts.
Learn more: Parking Lot Addition
Thread beads onto pipe cleaners
You can use pipe cleaners and beads for a variety of addition activities. In this one, put beads at opposite ends of a pipe cleaner, then bend them together and solve the equation.
Learn more: Pipe Cleaner Addition
Deal Uno cards
Use Uno cards or a regular deck with the face cards removed for this addition game. Simply lay out two cards and add the numbers together!
Learn more: Uno Addition Game
Cut out addition flowers
This pretty math craft gives kids a chance to work on addition activities like number bonds and mastering math facts. Get the free printable at the link.
Learn more: Flower Addition Activity
Finger-paint addition clouds
What a sweet idea! Write addition problems on clouds, then use finger paints to add the correct number of raindrops underneath.
Learn more: Addition Clouds
Use sticky notes to make 10
Sticky notes have so many uses in the classroom. Write individual numbers on them, then use the notes to “make 10” or any other number you choose.
Learn more: Make Ten With Sticky Notes
Practice regrouping with LEGO bricks
When you’re ready to move on to slightly more advanced addition activities, use LEGO bricks to help kids understand the concept of regrouping. (Find many more LEGO math ideas here.)
Learn more: LEGO Addition
Toss a beach ball
Jot numbers all over a beach ball using a Sharpie. Then, toss it to a student, and wherever their thumbs land, have them add up the two closest numbers. Ready for trickier addition activities? Add up all the numbers their fingers are touching!
Learn more: Beach Ball Math
Twist up pool noodle equations
Who knew you could use pool noodles for so many cool things in the classroom? We love this interchangeable equation maker, perfect for practicing addition facts.
Learn more: Teach Simple Equations Using Pool Noodles
Assemble Play-Doh addition spiders
Nothing scary about these little spiders! They’re just here to help kids practice their math facts. Insert pipe cleaner legs and find the total.
Learn more: Play Dough Spider Addition Game
Try mini-clothespins and wood craft sticks
This idea uses wood craft sticks and mini-clothespins. It’s a nice way to work in some fine motor skill practice too.
Learn more: Clothes Pin Addition
Pull out the dominoes
Here’s an easy one! Just turn dominoes sideways and they become math problems to be solved. Say them out loud, or write the equations for more practice.
Learn more: Domino Addition
Grab a handful of toys
Kids will like the mystery element in this addition activity. Fill bags with small toys or mini erasers, then have them grab a handful from each and add them together.
Learn more: Grab Bag Addition
Color by number
Pull out the crayon box—it’s time to color by number! The twist? Kids have to solve the equations first to learn the right colors to pick. Get the free printables at the link.
Learn more: Color by Code Addition
Add and sort dominoes
You can do a variety of addition activities with dominoes. For this version, lay out a number line, then sort the dominoes by the sum of their two sides.
Learn more: Domino Line-Up Math Activity
Battle it out in Double Dice War
Have you ever seen dice-in-dice? They’re so cool, and kids can’t get enough of them. Play addition war by having each student roll a die and add the numbers together. The one with the higher sum wins. Got a tie? Break it by looking at the number on the outside die.
Learn more: Dice Games and Activities
Pick up some pom-poms
Use double dice or regular ones along with a package of pom-poms for this easy addition activity. Or try it with goldfish crackers for a tasty way to learn!
Learn more: Pom-Pom Addition
Flip a flash card pancake
These pancakes aren’t very tasty, but they’re definitely a clever take on traditional flash cards. Kids will have fun flipping them with a spatula to check their answers.
Learn more: Addition Pancakes
Be the first to fill your grid
Get the free printable game boards for this fun addition game at the link. Kids roll the dice and try to be the first to make sums that fill in their grids.
Learn more: Fill Your Grid
Free Online Addition Games
Addition Puzzle Pics
Click and drag the puzzle pieces to answer the math questions, revealing a cool picture at the end. There are multiple versions for different skills and levels, and you can change the target sums too.
Play it:Puzzle Pics
Math Pac-Man
Classic arcade game meets math! You’ll have to think fast to solve the equation and eat the right ghost. Try this one in pairs with one student solving and the other moving Pac-Man as fast as they can.
Play it:Math Pac-Man
Canoe Puppies
Can your puppy-filled canoe beat the others to the finish line? Solve the equations quickly to paddle your way to victory. Students practice two-digit addition with this game.
Play it:Canoe Puppies
Plus 10
What if the ever-popular game Candy Crush was educational too? Wish granted! Match two squares to make 10, and they disappear from the board. This one will keep kids clicking (and practicing math facts) for hours.
Play it: Plus 10
Number Bonds
Choose a target sum between 10 and 20. Then, aim and shoot the center number ball at one of the balls circling the track to make the target sum. Repeat until all the balls are gone.
Play it:Number Bonds to 20
Looking for more smart ways to teach addition? Check out Number Bond Activities To Help Kids Develop Number Sense.
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