• Although mathematics is part of everyday life, it is often difficult for students to understand why they must learn the basics of addition, multiplication or exponents. Bringing popular games into the classroom and incorporating math concepts into those games will help students learn to use basic math principles. Several card games work well for teaching math concepts.
  
  

War

• War is a game of probability that helps elementary students learn to recognize numbers and understand basic math concepts. To play, distribute decks of cards to pairs of students. The deck is divided in half; each student plays one card from the top of his pile at the same time, hoping to play a card higher than his opponent's. This game works well for students just learning their numbers. A variation for older students involves addition, subtraction or multiplication. In this version, when the cards are flipped over, the students must quickly add, subtract or multiply the numbers. Whoever says the total first wins those cards.
  
  

Uno

• Uno involves players laying down cards based on color or number. When a player has just one card remaining, he calls out, "Uno!" Although little math is involved in playing Uno the traditional way, try variations that teach math principles. When students lay down an Uno card, have them add the card's number to the number on the pile. Every time they put down a card, they must announce the sum of the cards. For advanced students, use multiplication. Students do not have to add special Uno cards, such as Draw Two, Skip and Wild cards. Especially when introducing addition or subtraction, this game works well to keep students interested and engaged.
  
  

25

• To practice addition, try a variation of the game 21. Students must add card numbers together, subtract numbers at certain points and anticipate winning combinations. With this type of proactive thinking, you will find students eager to do math before it is even necessary. Remove face cards and Jokers from a deck of cards. Two students divide the deck evenly. The first player turns over his card, places it face up in the center of the table and announces the number. The second player turns over her card, placing it face up next to the first card and announces the sum of the two cards. Play continues, with each player continuing to add numbers as they are drawn. When the sum surpasses 25, the player must subtract instead of add, then normal play resumes. The first player to reach exactly 25 wins.