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Math Games for Kids: Equation Decoder!

Math Games for Kids_Equation Decoder via Childhood 101

As I have shared previously, Immy is loving the challenge of learning simple addition and subtraction. I made up this simple decoding game on the fly one afternoon as I prepared afternoon tea – Immy often sits at our bench drawing or writing as I prepare meals and on this particular occasion she was looking for ‘something to do.’ Well, an hour later and we were still playing – she loved the idea of solving secret codewords! And we have played pretty much everyday since. These photos show some of the short and simple first rounds we played – the decoding challenges are much more extended now that I have seen how much she enjoys playing, with Immy now solving enough problems to decode a whole sentence at one time.

Maths Games: How to Play Equation Decoder

Recommended age: This game is suitable for children who have begun to learn to solve simple addition and subtraction number sentences. It can be modified according to the child’s level of mathematical ability by simply adjusting the difficulty of the mathematical problems used.

You will need:

  • A writing surface and writing implement – we used a PP Multi Flash Lights Writing Pad (for those in Australia – they are available at K-mart for $9) but you could just as easily play on a magna doodle, chalkboard, whiteboard, iPad (in a drawing app) or on paper with a pen

To play:

1. Prepare a series of number sentences (equations) as shown below (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, depending upon your child’s current learning and level of development). You will need one number sentence for each letter of your code word or sentence. Randomly allocate each number sentence a letter.

Math Games for Kids: Number Sentence Decoder

Below the number sentences draw a series of dashed lines, one to represent each letter of your code word or sentence. Below each dash write the number that corresponds with the letter for that space – so the number that will be your child’s correct answer to the equation.

2. Have your child answer the equations, writing the correct numerical answer in the space provided.

Math Games for Kids: Number Sentence Codebreaker

3. They can then use their answers to decode the secret code word (or sentence!)

Math Games: Number Sentence Decoder

Do you have a child learning to solve mathematical equations?

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Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Filed Under: Featured, Maths Tagged With: math games

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Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Rosie says

    April 27, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    Dear Christie, I was wondering where you can get the neon writing boards that you have displayed on your equation decoder page. https://childhood101.com/2014/07/math-games-equations/ They look absolutely fabulous and would love to have some in my classroom! Your ideas are fantastic!! Kind Regards, Rosie Vaccaro
    • Christie Burnett says

      May 9, 2015 at 8:38 PM

      Hi Rosie, it is a PP Multi Flash Lights Writing Pad - available at K-mart if you are in Australia. Otherwise, this looks similar - http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Dry-Erase-Light-Up-Board/dp/B00CI6J3QG/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1431174864&sr=8-26&keywords=black+light+pad
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