Math games for kids: one clear path from counting to subtraction

A math game that teaches one method, in the right order

Many parents know this moment: you try to teach addition, you show one way, then another, then a trick from a video, and your child ends up more confused than before. The problem is rarely the child. It is too many methods at once, in no particular order.

This free math game for kids does the opposite. It follows one path, the order that early math research recommends, and it moves forward only when your child is ready. Each step builds on the one before, so nothing new appears until the previous idea feels easy.

The twelve steps

1. See it. Dice patterns of 1 to 6. Children learn to see small amounts at a glance, without counting one by one.
2. Count. Tap each object once and watch the numbers appear. The last number said tells how many.
3. More or fewer. Compare two groups, then two numbers.
4. Ten frame. Two rows of five. Seven becomes “five and two more”, a picture children remember.
5. Number bonds. How many more make 5, then 10? The empty boxes show the answer.
6. Add to 5. Red and blue counters in a small frame.
7. Add to 10. Start at the bigger number and count on.
8. Doubles. 4 + 4, 6 + 6, then near doubles like 6 + 7.
9. Make ten. 8 + 5 becomes 8 + 2 + 3: fill the first ten frame, then add the rest.
10. Take away. Cross out counters and count what is left.
11. Think addition. 12 − 8 is solved by asking “8 plus what makes 12?”
12. Mixed facts. Adding and taking away within 20, mixed together, to keep every fact fresh.

Why this order works

The steps follow the developmental progression recommended in the US What Works Clearinghouse guide Teaching Math to Young Children: recognising small amounts, counting with one number for each object, comparing, and only then adding and subtracting. Within each step, the three levels follow the concrete, pictorial, abstract sequence, which studies have found effective for addition and subtraction, including for children who find math hard. The strategies in steps 7 to 11 (counting on, doubles, making ten, and subtraction as thinking addition) are the reasoning strategies that research on fact fluency describes as the bridge between counting and simply knowing the answer.

You can read the full reasoning, with sources, in our parent guide how to teach a child addition.

Made for young children

Every screen has one question, a big picture and four large buttons that are easy to tap on a phone or tablet. There is no timer and no score to lose. A wrong answer greys out that button, shows the counters and a short tip, and lets your child try again, so each mistake turns into a small lesson. Tap Read aloud and the question is spoken, which helps children who are not reading yet.

More learning games for kids

When the twelve steps are done, Times Tables continues with multiplication, and Memory Match is a calm way to train attention. You will find every game sorted by age in our kids games section.

How to play Math Games for Kids

1. Pick where to start. Young children begin at step 1, See it; a child who already counts well can start at Ten frame or Add to 10.
2. A question appears with a picture (dots, counters or a ten frame) and four big answer buttons. Tap the answer.
3. Every step has three levels. Level 1 shows counters, level 2 moves toward pictures, level 3 uses numbers only.
4. A wrong answer is never the end. The counters and a one-line tip appear, and your child simply tries again.
5. Ten questions make a level. Finish it for up to three stars; the next level opens right away, and progress is saved on this device.
6. Tap Read aloud to hear the question, and Show me for the picture and the tip at any time.

Math Games for Kids tips

Start lower than you think

Children feel clever when the first level is easy, and confidence is what keeps them playing. If your child gets three stars at once, move on; there is no prize for starting at step 7.

Five to ten minutes a day

Short daily sessions beat one long weekend session. One or two levels a day is plenty, and it fits the attention span of young children, including children with ADHD.

Say the strategy out loud

When the tip says "start at 7 and count on 3", say it together. Children who can explain a strategy in their own words keep it far longer than children who only tap the right button.

Use real objects too

Spoons, grapes and toy cars make perfect counters. Ask "how many?" at the table, then play a level. The game follows the same order you can use at home.

Frequently asked questions