Using Games to Help Students Build Fluency in Math

Two students sit at a table, playing cards in hand. A table over, a group of students roll dice. A teacher moves around the classroom, answering questions and offering encouragement. The low-level chatter is punctuated with the occasional laughter and the regular semi-shouting of numbers. 

The students are playing, but they’re also practicing math concepts.  

“Math should be meaningful and connected to real-world experiences,” said Issaquah School District Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick.  

Driven by teachers seeking new ways to engage students, gamification has steadily gained traction in math classrooms and is supported by the district. One goal of this approach is to increase students’ math fluency, which is the ability to recall math facts quickly and accurately.  

Returning to the scenario above, the two students could be practicing their math fact fluency by multiplying a nine of hearts by an eight of spades. The students playing dice could add up all the numbers rolled to get the sum. 

There are limitations to using games to teach or reinforce math concepts. Educators are looking for games that use math strategies to get through the game. Games should also rely on the choices a student makes, not chance. Finally, the games are easy to learn and play. 

Learning isn’t limited to analog games. 

“Students engage with interactive platforms like i-Ready, where they earn points, unlock achievements and receive instant feedback,” said Tow-Yick. “Teachers are leveraging digital applications to obtain real-time data to support instruction and bring the curriculum to life through gamification.” 

The primary goal is to help students learn and understand math concepts, but there are other potential benefits that provide opportunities to strengthen engagement and social emotional skills. 

“Gamification promotes peer collaboration and meaningful math discussions,” said Tow-Yick. “Most importantly, it creates fluency and shifts mindsets by transforming math into an engaging challenge rather than just work that builds confidence.” 

Tow-Yick says there’s been increased engagement in math from students due to the gamification stations and/or rotations. She also says different activities like e-sports, robotics leagues, and internships show students the different ways math can be connected at home, through competitive clubs, or in a work environment focused on project delivery. 

“Teachers are continuously adapting and introducing new challenges to keep learning fresh, engaging, and developmentally appropriate,” said Tow-Yick. 

Gamification is one of many approaches to a larger strategy employed by the Issaquah School District to support student learning around math. Schools in the district host math nights for students and their families. These events are a chance for parents and caregivers to see what their student is learning and to participate in math-based programming. The district also partners older students with younger students as part of a mentor program where part of the time is spent doing math together. 

Teachers monitor progress through regular assessments and by getting feedback from students. This information allows teachers to make adjustments that best fit the needs of their students. Doing so works to ensure students are set up for success. 

“It is essential that students see math as fun, relevant, and hands-on, helping them develop fluency and intuition to be stronger critical thinkers,” said Tow-Yick.