Learning the times tables is extremely important, and this activity can quickly demonstrate any tables value. By using animated shapes children can see the patterns that make up the tables easy. This helps them conceptualize and speeds up learning.
For example the visual representation allows children to grasp very quickly that multiplication is commutative i.e 3×4 is the same as 4×3 since they can see it is just the same shapes in a different pattern.
Let’s MOD is a free computational math game where students explore number operations, functions, and algorithm. You do this in a virtual world or “mod” machine. Some machines are created for you, and you can create your own. Let’s MOD can be used on all types of devices, whether as an app or desktop application. Learn about how it works and get tips and tutorials for how to use it in the classroom.
Let’s MOD provides students with visual manipulatives that enable them to think about math in a computational way. So the focus is on analysis in problem solving in which students develop skills in:
Each game or “Machine” typically consists of four to six problems called “Mods”. Each Mod is visually represented as a computer chip on a board.
Let’s MOD is designed for use by classroom teachers, who can assign a Machine with groups of problems to their students. Many pre-made machines are available at different grade levels. Teachers and students can create their own machines and share them.
To solve a Mod, you manipulate the numbers and math symbols to create a “PolyScript” equation. You click on the Poly character to run your script and tell you if you provided the correct Mod — equation to solve the problem. More complex Mods often require multiple results in a specific order. And the most complex mods use variables and functions. This video illustrates how it works:
Note that as of 2022 this is only available for Kindle Fire.
Android, Kindle Fire app – Learn to do basic math operations, comparisons (<, >, =), and simple word problems. Write out a word sentence to solve them. This app is ad-free and suitable for young children. You will find the Kindle Fire version on Amazon here.
Kids in grades 1-5 can choose from more than 30 games to hone their skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The games usually include an easy and more difficult level. Many of the games increase the level of difficulty as the child progresses through the game. Students can also choose between relaxed (untimed) and timed modes of play.
The basic operations games focus on a single skill such as addition only, or subtraction only. The mixed operations games combine two or more operations.
This website has advertisements, but they aren’t obtrusive and do not include popups.
Play Grand Prix Multiplication to practice your multiplication table skills. Up to 4 players can play. The winner is the one who correctly answers the most questions the fastest. At the end, you can see the percentage answered correctly, the rate at which you answered the questions, and the correct solutions to any you got wrong. There are links to other multiplication and division games on the site.
