Math. Some children love it and some kids run away just hearing the word. But as you may know, especially when a student is reluctant to practice a skill, approaching review with game-based methods instead of worksheets can engage a student in crucial mathematical ideas. Although not a replacement for lessons and practice, math games will augment a child’s understanding of math. Plus, they can be lots of fun! Today, we’ll take a look at a few of the most popular “math game” sites and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each.

• Type of games: 3/5. The vast majority of games are for one player, although the occasional multiplayer game will show up. The site has a variety of games ranging from short, carnival-like games to longer games with multiple different levels. Most of the games are very focused on the math learning outcome and tend to lack the “addictive” or “super-fun” quality of non-educational games. 

• Math concepts taught: 5/5. A wide variety of math concepts are taught in a direct way, up to about middle school math (the hardest concepts are in the pre-algebra category). The best part about this site is the customizability of the games. Most games have multiple levels of difficulty; for instance, the addition games typically have 3 t levels of progressive difficulty. This ensures the games are better tailored to what the student is struggling with.

• Visual appeal: 3/5. While bright and “kid-friendly”, the graphics may appear a bit outdated. There are a few ads, but they are not extremely obtrusive. Ad-free gameplay can be purchased with the premium version (see below for more details). 

• Pricing model: 3/5. Most games are completely free to play, but others are restricted to premium users. For families, the cost of premium ranges from $3-$6 a month, depending on the payment plan you choose. 

• Overall rating: 3/5. As a free platform, it’s not bad. In the context of the other options, it may not be the most fun or attention-grabbing for kids, despite the educational value.

• Type of games: 4/5. There are a wide variety of games, each of them featuring characters from kids’ TV shows including Curious George, Arthur, Peppa Pig, the Cat in the Hat, and more. Most of the games are straightforward “one-level” affairs. There are also a few interactive storybooks and sandbox (open-ended) activities.

• Math concepts taught: 2.5/5. The math value in each game isn’t evident right away and the games appear to be randomly sorted. Most of the games cover fundamental math skills, such as counting, addition, and subtraction.

• Visual appeal: 5/5. The games appear to be professionally designed. Most include sound effects and narration. Adults may find the high-pitched child voices annoying, but kids might love the sound of their favourite characters “talking” to them!

• Pricing model: 5/5. All the games appear to be free – it doesn’t get much better than that!

• Overall rating: 4/5. Even though the math value of these games isn’t quite as strong as the other sites, the variety and familiar faces in these games are very likely to engage children! Combined with the visual appeal and non-existent price tag, this is a great overall choice.

• Type of games: 5/5. The variety and creativity of these games is a huge plus. From strategy to probability to endless runners and puzzles, it’s very likely children will find something that piques their interest on this site.

• Math concepts taught: 4/5. Despite the website’s name, not all of the games are directly related to math, although many incorporate strategy and logic that may assist children in mathematical thinking. However, one great feature of this site that allows you to bypass this weakness is the playlists (curated list of games). You can both view the playlists of others and make your own, including their “Our favourite math games” list, which only includes the games most connected to mathematical skills.

• Visual appeal: 4/5. The games are well-designed in a variety of styles. There are a large number of “retro” style games with nostalgic 8-bit graphics for the older (or old-school) student. Many have music as well, which makes the games far more engaging. Unfortunately, the ads on the side can be quite distracting.

• Pricing model: 4/5. The games are all free to play. There is an option to remove the ads by purchasing premium membership, which costs $6 a month.

• Overall rating: 4/5. This is a site that may engage older children who are too old for TV shows and/or the simpler activities on other sites. The games are challenging, but fun to play!

*Learning Buddies Network does not officially endorse the above websites. The organization is not affiliated with any of them.*