Multiplication Games for Class 3: 12 Fun Ways to Make Learning a Blast

Multiplication is a fundamental math operation that forms the cornerstone of more complex mathematical concepts. For third graders, mastering multiplication is crucial for their future academic success. To make learning multiplication engaging and enjoyable, we present 12 exciting games that will transform your classroom into a mathematical playground.

1. Multiplication Bingo

Materials: Bingo cards with multiplication problems, counters

Instructions: Create bingo cards with different multiplication problems written in each square. Provide each student with a bingo card and counters. Read out multiplication problems randomly. Students solve the problems and place counters on the corresponding squares on their bingo cards. The first student to complete a line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally calls out "Bingo!" and wins.

2. Multiplication Scavenger Hunt

Materials: Clues with multiplication problems, answer sheet

Instructions: Hide clues around the classroom, each containing a multiplication problem. Give students an answer sheet. They must solve the problems on the clues and write down the answers on their answer sheets. The first student to solve all the problems and find all the answers wins.

3. Multiplication War

Materials: Deck of cards (with face cards removed)

Instructions: Divide students into pairs. Each pair receives a deck of cards. On the count of three, both players flip over the top card from their deck and solve the multiplication problem written on the cards. The player with the highest product keeps both cards. The player with the most cards at the end of the game wins.

4. Multiplication Hot Potato

Materials: Ball, music player

Instructions: Play music and pass the ball around the circle of students. When the music stops, the student holding the ball must solve a multiplication problem given by the teacher. If they answer correctly, they continue playing. If they answer incorrectly, they sit out. The last student left playing wins.

5. Multiplication Relay Race

Materials: Whiteboard or chart paper, markers

Instructions: Divide students into two teams. Draw a multiplication table on the whiteboard. On the other side of the room, place another whiteboard with a blank multiplication table. Players take turns running to the whiteboard with the multiplication table, writing one product, and then running back to their team. The first team to fill in all the products on the blank multiplication table wins.

6. Multiplication Memory

Materials: Index cards, marker

Instructions: Write multiplication problems on pairs of index cards. Place the cards face down in a grid on the floor. Students take turns flipping over two cards at a time. If the products on the cards match, they keep the cards and take another turn. If the products don't match, they flip the cards back over. The player with the most pairs at the end of the game wins.

7. Multiplication Dominoes

Materials: Domino set, multiplication table

Instructions: Shuffle the dominoes and deal them evenly among the players. Players take turns placing dominoes on the table, matching the product on one end of the domino with the factor on the other end of the domino. The first player to get rid of all their dominoes wins.

8. Multiplication Charades

Materials: List of multiplication problems, slips of paper

Instructions: Write multiplication problems on slips of paper. Students take turns picking a slip of paper and acting out the problem without speaking. The other students try to guess the multiplication problem. The student who guesses correctly receives a point. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

9. Multiplication Simon Says

Materials: None

Instructions: The teacher calls out multiplication problems along with the command "Simon says." Students must only solve the problems when they hear "Simon says." If a student solves a problem without hearing "Simon says," they lose a point. The last student with the most points wins.

10. Multiplication Roll and Move

Materials: Dice, game board with multiplication problems

Instructions: Create a game board filled with multiplication problems. Players roll a die and move around the board, solving the multiplication problems on the spaces they land on. The first player to reach the end of the board wins.

11. Multiplication Mini Golf

Materials: Mini golf course, paper cups, balls

Instructions: Set up a miniature golf course using paper cups as obstacles. Write multiplication problems on the cups. Students must solve the multiplication problem on the cup before hitting the ball over or into the cup. The player with the lowest score at the end of the course wins.

12. Multiplication Tic-Tac-Toe

Materials: Tic-tac-toe board, erasable markers

Instructions: Draw a tic-tac-toe board on the whiteboard. Divide students into two teams. Players take turns writing multiplication problems in the squares. If a player completes a line with three squares containing products that match, their team wins.

These 12 multiplication games for class 3 are designed to make learning multiplication both fun and engaging. By incorporating these games into your classroom, you can help your students develop a deep understanding of multiplication and build their mathematical skills with a smile on their faces.

Additional Resources

• The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• Multiplication Activities and Games
• IXL Learning: Multiplication Games