Did you know that May 15th is International Day of Families? Yes, it’s a real thing, and it’s all about appreciating the wonderful tapestry of families around the globe. So, why not sprinkle a bit of joy and connection into your classroom to mark this special day by using math games for homework?

 

What’s the Buzz about International Day of Families?

 

International Day of Families is like the superhero of all family appreciation days. It’s dedicated to recognizing the importance of families and promoting their well-being. It’s a day to celebrate the diverse structures and love that bind families together – from the big, noisy gatherings to the cozy, quiet ones. Think of it as a global hug for families everywhere and every type!

 

Homework? Nah, Let’s Roll the Dice with Family Game Night!

 

Now, here’s an idea to make International Day of Families unforgettable in your classroom: ditch the homework and roll out the red carpet for Family Games for Homework Night! Trust me, your students and their families will thank you for this one.

Picture this: Instead of the usual routine of tackling assignments solo, families gather around for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and a dash of mathematical magic. Yep, you heard me right – math games for homework are stealing the spotlight!

 

Send Home the Fun: Math Games Edition!

As the maestro of math, why not send a few favorite math games for homework for your students and their families to enjoy together? It’s like giving them a golden ticket to a night of brainy bonding.

 

 

Family Math Game #1: Hit the Target – Multiplication Facts

 

This little game is great for incorporating a little bit of movement along with math fact fluency practice! Print out the desired target to send home with your gamers. There are 2 options: one for the pattern multiplication facts (x1, x2, x5, x9, x10) and one for the strategy multiplication facts (x3, x4, x6, x7, x8). You’ll also want to print a few recording sheet for each student one for them and enough for their family member opponents. It will also be helpful to send home an example recording sheet to make it easy for parents to understand and play along. Then tell them that their math homework for the night is a game of multiplication target practice. Once they get home they will need to gather a cotton ball, a craft pom-pom, a wadded-up ball of paper, or some other soft object to use as their projectile.

 

How to Play:

• On each turn, players with throw a “ball” and attempt to land it on the target. Payers will throw the “ball” 25 times and tally where each throw lands.
• Once a player has completed 25 tosses, they should write multiplication sentences to determine the number of points scored in each zone. For example, if their ball landed in the x5 zone 4 times, their multiplication sentence will be 5×4=20 and they earn 20 points for that zone.
• They will then add all the points from each zone to find their final score. A completed sample of the recording sheet is included as a visual aid for students and their parents.

 

 

Family Math Game #2: Pickle – 2-digit Multiplication or Long Division

 

This game is a little more challenging and sometimes, players get stuck trying to figure out the best place to play a numbers…they get caught in a pickle! It comes in a 2-digit x 2-digit partial product multiplication version or a partial quotient long division version. Print off a recording sheet for each player and have the students find a few dice from one of their board games at home.

How to Play:

• Player 1 rolls 4 dice and uses the 4 numbers on the dice to create two 2-digit numbers.
• Both players decompose the numbers and put them in a partial product work space on their own recording sheet.
• Each player solves the multiplication problem using the partial product strategy and the players check each other’s work for accuracy.
• Player 2 rolls one die to determine how many points he/she gets.  Player 1 rolls one die to determine how many points he/she gets.
• Both players record their points in the table on the recording sheet.
• Play continues with Player 2 rolling 4 dice and repeating the steps that follow.
• At the end of nine rounds, players add up their points.  The player with the highest score wins.

 

Earning Points:

Roll a 1-earn the sum of the two factors

Roll a 2-earn the points in box top-left box of the partial product work space

Roll a 3-earn the points in the top-right box of the partial product work space

Roll a 4-earn the points in the lower-left box of the partial product work space

Roll a 5-earn the points in the lower-right box of the partial product work space

Roll a 6-earn the final product of the multiplication problem

 

 

Family Math Game #3: Place it or Pass It – Place Value

 

This is a strategic math game with a sabotage twist. Players take turn rolling dice and deciding where to put them in order to make the largest number possible for themselves and the smallest number possible for their opponen. Print off a couple of recording sheets for each player and have the students track down a few dice when they get home.

 

How to Play:

On each turn, players will roll the dice and decide to “place it”  by writing that number in any square on their own board OR “pass it” by choosing to put that number on their opponent’s board in any open square of their choice. 

If there are no spots left on one player’s board, all players will place numbers on open spots of the remaining board until both boards are full.

Once both boards are full, both players write their number in standard form, expanded form and word form.

Players then compare numbers for each line, and the player with 2 or more greater numbers wins the game. 

 

Why a Family Math Games for Homework Night? Because Learning is Better with Laughter!

 

Not only does Family Math Games for Homework Night add some fun and laughter to the International Day of Families, but it also reinforces the idea that learning isn’t just about textbooks and quizzes. It’s about making memories, sharing smiles, and growing together.

So, let’s embrace the spirit of International Day of Families by transforming homework blues into family game night hues. Let the math games for homework begin, and may the dice be ever in your favor! 

Looking for an endless supply of math games for homework or classroom use? Check out these bundles covering all the 3rd grade and 4th grade math concepts!