Our kindergarten and first-grade students come into our classrooms ready to play and learn. They have all this energy and it is our responsibility to channel it appropriately and keep that excitement for learning alive. How do we do this while teaching them important concepts such as addition and subtraction? You need to start utilizing addition games for 1st graders and kindergarteners!
Why Do I Need to Use Addition Games?
Do you have learners who have difficulty concentrating in math class because they are bouncing all over the place and have endless energy to burn? Those math books that our curriculum often comes with just aren’t always the most engaging thing for these students. Even manipulatives can sometimes be difficult because they get distracted playing with them instead of using them appropriately.
You are probably thinking well if I’m not using printables and now I’m not using manipulatives either what are you suggesting I use? While both of these are still choices for the rest of your day, I’m asking you to carve out a little time for some digital addition games for 1st graders and kindergarteners. These no prep, select and project games will help focus your littles so they are ready for their more non-preferred tasks. And the best part? There are multiple levels making it easy for you to pick just what your students need!
The Best Addition Games for Kindergarteners and 1st Graders
If I had to pick only one game for my primary students to play in the classroom it would definitely be Knockout. It is simple for students as the format and rules stay the same while you simply change out the focus skill such as math facts within 5. It’s also super easy for you as the teacher since you just open it on your computer, project it at a blank wall, your whiteboard or SMARTboard, and play! You will love how soon your students can play independently while learning and your students will love the engaging competition of the game.
How Does it Work?
You’re probably thinking there’s no way this is so simple yet effective. Want to know more about how do you play Knockout? First, you divide your class into two teams, each in their own line. The slides on the board are divided down the middle into two separate sections. The first two students at the head of the line will solve the problem on the board as fast as they can.
The first to answer correctly wins that round and heads to the back of their line until it’s their next turn. The other student sits down to the side of their line but has to stay ready because at any point they can be asked to return to the game! This is a great opportunity to teach waiting behaviors, sportsmanship, and more.
Surprise slides include Pick a Pal where students can call a team member back into the game and Knockout where the student with that slide on their side has to sit out. Double Knockout, true to its name, requires both students to sit out while Free Pass means the student or students get to go to the back of the line without answering anything. Students play until one entire team is out and then you can play another round or move on to the next activity.
The predictable format of these addition games for 1st graders make it so simple to teach once and then just keep playing!
What Is Included?
Every Knockout game has the same format, which makes it easy for students to learn once and play all varieties of the game. Three game formats are included for you to pick which works in your classroom: Google Slides, Powerpoint, and PDF. Each Knockout game has around 35-40 slides, a teacher manual, and additional answer keys. Our Knockout addition games for kindergarteners and 1st graders include the following:
Addition and Subtraction Math Facts Games for 1st Grade Bundle: 26 Knockout games where students focus on plus facts, minus facts, mixed facts, and adding doubles. This huge bundle allows you to easily select the exact addition games for 1st graders your class or even a small group needs to focus on.
Subtraction and Addition Within 20 Math Facts Review Game: 22 Knockout games where students focus on individual plus facts, minus facts, a mix of addition facts, a mix of subtraction facts, and a mix of both facts. These different options help you differentiate and provide multiple opportunities for students to constantly have a new game to play.
Addition and Subtraction Math Facts Within 5: 3 Knockout games including mixed addition facts, mixed subtraction facts, and a mix of both types. This particular addition games for kindergarteners product is perfect for just focusing on reviewing and practicing those facts up to 5 which we know our littles always need to practice.
Benefits of Knockout Addition Games
Still not convinced why you should use Knockout addition games for 1st graders and kindergarteners? These games are perfect for your littles who need some extra movement and fun in their day to stay focused and learning. If we have to teach all of these different math standards, we should at least try and find the most engaging and interactive way to do it!
Students will start looking forward to math because of the fast paced and competitive nature of the games. They will improve their math fact fluency as they get quicker at solving from repetition and motivation to practice. You will also enjoy seeing your student relationships improve as they cheer on each other and start to learn about forming teams.
These addition games for kindergarteners and 1st graders are easy to incorporate into your daily schedule as a warm-up, brain break, transition activity, review activity, or even something easy to leave with your emergency sub plans. This no prep resource will keep your students engaged and motivated while also learning important math concepts.
Continue reading here for more ways to use Knockout in your classroom!
What Teachers are Saying
“My students loved using this resource at the interactive panel. Being able to stand, move and use the interactive panel as a station is highly engaging and motivating. I would highly recommend this resource to build fact fluency.”
— Sheri R. ★★★★★
“Knockout is the BEST. Can we play it every day?” – Student in my classroom. I love it, they love it, and our principal loves it. Great for evaluation days – kids are 100% engaged.”
— Katie B. ★★★★★
“My students LOVE this game! I highly recommend! I used during an intervention/small group time on Fun Fridays and it worked out perfectly!”
— Ethan F. ★★★★★
“My students loved playing. My students struggle with their addition fact fluency. After playing around they wanted to play again and were looking forward to playing it again tomorrow.”
— Marsha H. ★★★★★
“Thank you I was really looking for something just like this to use with my students. Very engaging for my small groups!”
— Sharon S. ★★★★★
Find out more about how Knockout is simply the best math game!
Try These Free Addition Games Today!
Check out this page to select your personal Knockout Sampler Pack. See how much your students love playing and how easy it is to fit this engaging learning game into your day!
Why Should You Use Addition Games with Your Students?
- Young learners crave movement and play. Engage them with fun addition games where they are having such a good time they don’t even realize they’re learning math facts.
- Foster better student relationships. You will love seeing the team building that can occur when students root for players on their own team as well as supporting those who may be having difficulty with the tasks.
- No prep fun. This digital click-and-play game only requires selecting the appropriate one for your group or class. This means leaving it for a substitute, small, or whole group setting is easy and can seamlessly fit into your daily routine.
Will you try these addition games for 1st graders and kindergarteners in your classroom today?
Arm you with high-quality tools: Sleep peacefully at night knowing you’re doing what’s best for your students.
Save your energy: Provide resources that cost you little energy (that stuff is precious)---but have high impact on your students.
Light your spark: Putting fun back into your classroom after the hardest teaching years can be just what you and your students need.
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