Saturday, October 12, 2013

My Favorite Computer Games Activites for the Smart Board or Independent Practice

I am finally getting to work in a primary classroom with a smart board this year and am finding myself using it again and again.  Other primary classrooms I am in do not have smart boards so I have found using these same activities at student computers by showing a small group how to play and then leaving it open for partner or individual practice time.  I also have teachers who are incorporating these activities into their center or choice time as well with great success.  All of these games are FREE and do not require an account, a log-in or other time wasters.  I am currently using these games in primary classrooms but many of them have quite a range of skills.

Fairies in the Fog  Count by 10
This game is a great way to get kids to practice counting by tens and not always starting with 10.  The start number changes with each turn in this fun game!  Students have to find the fairy that has the number missing from the flower.  I also love this game because it goes over 100 and the common core has first and second graders adding 10 to any number over 100.  

Fairies in the Fog Count by 5
Works just like the count by 10 version but allows students to count by 5's.  The start number pictured is 0 but that changes just as it does in the count by 10 version

Butterfly 10 Frame
This is a great game to practice subitizing on a ten frame and combinations of ten.  Some butterflies fly away and make quite a sound.  My students think it sounds like a haunted house sound and LOVE it.  We make sure the volume is turned up all the way.  They are then asked how many flew away and then how many are left.


Raceway Number Values
The common core is very specific about students using the symbols <, > and = to compare numbers at various levels and grades.  The work with these symbols needs to begin in grade 1 and I always find kids need more practice with these ideas.  Here is a fun way to give them that practice.  The numbers at level 1 start out very small and by the time you get to level 2, you are comparing many different types of numbers and they get quite large as well.  I have used this game in grades 1-5.

Here is a look at one from level 2.  If you have first or second graders, start with level 1 which begins by having you compare 2 one digit numbers.  
How do you use a smart board or computers to help your students develop numeracy skills?

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