Playing with Math #1: Playing Cards

If you’re an upper elementary teacher, you know how important it is to make math fun and engaging. Playing with math is one of the best ways to do that. By using games or activities you can create a lesson that won’t feel like a typical math class. And what better way to do that than by incorporating playing cards into your instruction? Here are some great ideas for using playing cards in your classroom plus a free download of a poster for classroom expectations during math games.

Fractions with Playing Cards 

Playing cards can be used to teach fractions in a fun and engaging way. Have students choose two cards from the deck and have them compare the numbers on the cards (for example, 3/4 versus 4/5). Students can use their understanding of fractions to explain why one card is larger than the other. This activity is great for visual learners because it reinforces fraction concepts through hands-on activities. 

Adding and Subtracting with Playing Cards 

Unfortunately, addition and subtraction facts are always automatic for upper elementary students and they still need a little practice. To make it more engaging, try using playing cards. Have the students pick two cards from a deck and add or subtract them together depending on the activity.

To make it feel even more like a game add a little friendly competition–pair the students and see who can say the sum or difference first.  This will help them practice basic addition and subtraction skills while also giving them an understanding of how numbers work with each other. To extend this activity past basic fact mastery, have the students draw sets of cards to make larger numbers to practice addition and subtraction.

Multiplication and Division with Playing Cards 

Multiplication and division can also be tricky concepts for elementary kids to understand. To make it more interesting, use playing cards to teach them about these operations. Give the students three to five cards from a deck (depending on their level) then have them multiply or divide the numbers together until they reach a product or quotient of one.

This is a great way to practice basic multiplication and division skills while also getting familiar with larger numbers. You can also use the same partner speed game that we discussed for addition and subtraction. Another way to incorporate cards for multiplication is to use cards to generate random numbers and find the product.

Probability with Playing Cards 

Playing cards are also great for teaching probability lessons. Have the students pick two cards from a deck then ask questions like “what is the probability that you’ll get two hearts?” or “what is the chance of drawing an even number?” This will help them practice their probability skills while learning how to use mathematical thinking in real-life scenarios.  

Card Games

One easy way to get kids excited about math is by introducing card games into your lesson plans. You can modify a popular card game like War or Go Fish to incorporate your desired math skills. Personally, I have had a ton of fun designing my own games that incorporate playing cards. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Add-vocado (for 3-digit addition)
2. Subtraction Shuffle (for subtraction with regrouping)
3. Guess My Factors (for multiplication facts)
4. Race to 100,000 (for 2-digit multiplication)
5. Move It (for 2-digit multiplication)
6. Groovy Patterns (for algebraic patterns)
7. Factor Face Off (for number factorization)
8. Prime War (for prime and composite numbers)
9. Back in time (for elapsed time)

Number Sequences

Playing cards can also be used to teach kids about number sequences such as odd or even numbers, prime numbers, multiples of certain numbers, etc…Have kids build sequences from their hands of playing cards and have them talk through their thought process as they go along. They could even create charts or graphs that represent these sequences if you want to take it a step further! 

Playing with math by incorporating cards offers endless possibilities when it comes to teaching math in an interesting way! Whether you want your students to learn about fractions or probabilities or even just practice basic math facts, playing cards are always up for the job.

Plus they make learning fun instead of tedious – what better reason could there be? So next time you’re looking for something new (and exciting!) to add to your lesson plans – consider trying out some games with playing cards! Your students will thank you!