Online Math Games for the 1st Grade​

Math games for grade 1 online have the potential to help first graders achieve greater success in mathematics. That said, if you’ve never used online games in your 1st grade math classroom, the idea of it might seem daunting. Thankfully, we are here to help. Math games for 1st graders online can not only complement first grade math lesson plans, but they can make students more interested in learning. Where math lessons taught by teachers introduce new math concepts to students, math games for grade 1 online free can help young children practice these new concepts. Thus, such games can actually reinforce key math lessons.
When it comes to math games for 1st graders online, there are so many options to choose from, like addition and subtraction games. An example is Prodigy Math where users will be immersed in a role-playing game that requires them to participate in math duels against in-game characters. To win, the user is required to correctly answer the math problem. No matter which activities best suit the needs of your class, these interactive online math games can help your students have more fun with learning. Keep reading to learn more about the best 1st grade math games online and how they can be used by teachers and parents alike to boost learning.

In 1st grade math, students are taught a number of core math concepts in accordance with the first grade math curriculum. Grasping these concepts is extremely important as students will continue to build off of the lessons they are taught in first grade in the years that follow.

Students in the first grade are typically between the ages of 6 and 7, which means they are likely just beginning to build foundational math skills. A few of the key areas that first grade math focuses on include addition and subtraction up to 20, numbers up to 120, shapes, the basics of geometry and measurement, understanding place value, the properties of operations, and solving simple math word problems. Since first graders are learning such foundational math concepts, helping them master these lessons is important. Fun math activities in the form of online games may help with this. For example, Prodigy offers math problems tailored to first graders. These games can give students the basis they need to successfully progress to more complicated math concepts down the road, for which there are also online resources, like division activities and multiplication charts.

For those who don’t know, teachers are required to adhere to the first grade math curriculum when developing their lesson plans. Within the curriculum are Common Core State Standards, which are a set of educational benchmarks for students from kindergarten to the 12th grade in the United States. Required topics in the 1st grade common core standards for math are rooted in helping students develop a strong foundation in arithmetic and number sense. The main areas covered are as follows:

• Operations and Algebraic Thinking: Students learn to represent and solve problems that involve addition and subtraction within 20. They also understand the properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction. 
• Number and Operations in Base Ten: Students build on their understanding of the base-ten system by learning to count to 120. They will also learn about place value. Finally, they will use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract.
• Measurement and Data: Students measure lengths indirectly. They will be able to express these lengths in various units. They can also tell and write time. Finally, they will learn how to represent and interpret simple data.
• Geometry: Students understand and name more shapes. They also can use simple shapes to form larger ones.

Please note that since all math lesson plans are created in accordance with Common Core Standards, Prodigy Math ensures that its interactive online math games are also curriculum-based. That is what makes Prodigy such a powerful learning tool.  

Teaching students using online math games, such as an interactive online game on math rounding numbers for 1st grade, can help them gain a deeper understanding of underlying math principles. Research indicates that gamifying math can lead to greater skill improvement, help students master more math skills, and result in an increase in math enjoyment. For example, students who used Prodigy the most saw up to 5x greater improvement. Meanwhile, students at Clifton Public Schools in New Jersey mastered 68% more math skills per month when using Prodigy Math in 2019-2020 compared to 2018-2019. Lastly, Prodigy Math has been proven to significantly improve enjoyment among students who had cited low math enjoyment previously.

There are so many online math games for 1st grade students that it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we’re here. We’ve narrowed down the best math apps and games for first graders below.

1. Prodigy Math

Prodigy Math is a standards-aligned online math game designed for students from the first grade all the way up to the eighth grade. Prodigy Math’s role play game is adjusted to suit each student using adaptive learning and differentiated instruction principles. This online math game also feature questions and problems that teachers can customize based on their lesson plans. There is even a teacher dashboard that reports on student progress, enabling teachers to identify and address learning gaps early on. Best of all, Prodigy Math is free to use for teachers and students.

2. Math is Fun

Math is Fun is another online math game for 1st graders. More specifically, Math is Fun engages elementary school students from the first grade to the fifth grade through math games and puzzles. Games can be played collaboratively or individually in classrooms with one-to-one devices. Counting exercises is one example of a Math is Fun game that is ideal for younger students. These exercises use cartoon characters and short sentences to make learning simple and fun.

3. Funbrain

Funbrain offers math-centered games that reinforce core math concepts for Pre-K students up to eighth grade students. For first graders, Funbrain has games focused on addition, subtraction, counting, and basic shapes. This easy-to-use website categorizes games by grade, so all you have to do is log on, select your grade, and choose a game that interests you. 

4. SplashLearn

SplashLearn provides students with interactive math resources via their online platform that is suitable for Pre-K students up to those in the fifth grade. Math resources on SplashLearn range from online games and worksheets to live classes taught by experts. The platform also offers student progress tracking, rewards, and personalized learning paths.

5. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

Utah State University created the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, a free online math game for students starting in first grade. A vast collection of digital math manipulatives awaits users when they log on to the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives’ online platform. An example of a geometry activity for 1st graders on the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives’ website involves sorting attribute blocks to learn colour and shape patterns. 

You might be surprised to learn that there are a myriad of ways that you can incorporate math games into learning. Curriculum alignment is a core tenet of Prodigy Math for grade 1 online. WE also have online resources such as subtraction activities, mental math practices, and more that all follow the first grade math curriculum. The results of integrating these math games into the classroom can range from better scores on standardized tests to more fun and enjoyment.

It’s also easier than ever before to incorporate online math games into your lesson plans. Prodigy Math is adaptable and standards-aligned, which allows it to perfectly complement the concepts being taught in the classroom. Plus, interactive online math manipulatives and games can be given as in-class assignments or as homework to complete after school.

Prodigy has the potential to be an incredible resource for students. In fact, it has already been shown to be an effective resource when it comes to math enjoyment, standardized test scores, and mathematical learning. Between the engaging role-play-style game, curriculum alignment, progress monitoring, and adaptive learning model, Prodigy Math is a valuable teaching and revision tool for students.

In addition, what makes Prodigy so great is that our educational learning platform is standards-aligned. This allows educators to seamlessly integrate it into their lesson plans. Prodigy is also flexible. It can be played offline or online, individually or in groups, and in class or at home. This makes it easy to use, no matter what your teaching style is or the number of devices you’re working with in the classroom.

Lastly, Prodigy is made to be as inclusive as possible, which is why it is free of charge for students and educators. We want all classrooms to be able to experience the benefits of online math games. Make learning fun by implementing Prodigy Math today.