The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Elementary Math

Elementary math teachers, you’re going to want to bookmark this page! It’s full of helpful advice, teaching strategies, games and activities, and lots of free printable math resources for K–5 students. This is your all-in-one elementary math resource guide.

Number Sense & Foundations

Before kids can begin to think about adding, subtracting, or fractions, they have to understand numbers themselves. That means developing number sense, one-to-one correspondence, counting, and an understanding of concepts like greater than and less than. These resources can help students build the foundations for arithmetic, geometry, and more advanced math skills.

Counting & Early Number Skills

Try these activities to guide young learners as they learn to count, recognize and write numerals, and make key numerical connections.

one-to-one correspondence feature

One-to-One Correspondence

One item, one number.

Flat lays of number tracing worksheets

Number-Tracing Worksheets

A simple way to practice writing numerals.

Preschool Math Games Feature

Preschool Math Games

Fun activities for the youngest learners.

Collage of kindergarten math games, including rubber duck races and shape mystery bags

Kindergarten Math Games

Build enthusiasm for math from the very start.

Speedometer with needle displaying 100 kmh

Counting Beyond 100

Why some kids struggle with this skill and how to help.

Place Value & Number Relationships

Digits hold different values based on their placement in a number. Teach kids ones, tens, hundreds, and more with these place value activities and ideas.

Examples of place value games and activities

Place Value Activities

Hands-on practice for tens, ones, and more.

Place value millions to ones for kids

Anchor Charts for Place Value

Handy reference tools for your walls.

Flat lays of place value worksheets

Place Value Worksheets

Practice makes perfect!

Skip-Counting Activities

Prep kids for multiplication.

printable examples of skip-counting activities in full color

Skip-Counting Charts

Free printables with so many uses.

Loose pastel colored candies on a purple background with a glass jar holding additional candies

Estimation Activities

Educated guesses for the win!

Colorful number poster as learning tool for children

Hundreds Chart Activities

Invaluable learning tools.

Number line in black and white hanging on a wall

Number Line Activities

Help them visualize it.

Visual representation of hundreds, tens, and units

Teaching Expanded Form

Don’t neglect this math strategy!

Number Sense Development

Help students see the relationships between numbers and learn to work with them naturally and comfortably.

Number Sense Activities

Comfort working with numbers is key.

Two white dice with black dots on a green surface. Symbolizing chance, luck, probability and strategy. Commonly associated with dice games, gambling and random outcomes in playful settings.

Subitizing in Math

Estimate small numbers without counting.

Illustration of number bond 2, 5, and 7 with two cartoon children

Teaching Number Bonds

Explore how numbers work together.

Set flash cards for kids. Learning numbers 1-10. Education developing worksheet. Activity page for school. Color game for children. Vector illustration. Cartoon style.

10-Frame Activities

This essential math tool belongs in every elementary classroom.

What are fact families? Buzz words explained

What Are Fact Families?

Related math facts that use the same three numbers.

Animated gif switching between three different collages of blank and completed multiplication tables

FEATURED RESOURCE

Free Multiplication Charts

Grab these free printable charts to help students learn and practice their multiplication facts!

Operations & Algebraic Thinking

Once students have a strong understanding of number sense and counting, they’re ready for arithmetic equations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). They can also take on fractions and decimals and start working with early geometric concepts.

Addition & Subtraction

Give students a strong grounding in these basic arithmetic skills.

Little Boy learning Numbers and mathematics basics

Addition Practice Activities

They all add up to fun!

This close-up shot features the mathematical equation "50 - 3 = 47," spelled out using a row of multi-colored square tiles set against a vibrant magenta background.

Subtraction Practice Activities

Hands-on ways to learn the facts.

Free Addition Strategies Poster for the Classroom - WeAreTeachers

Addition Strategy Posters

Tricks for making fact fluency a bit easier.

Mathematical game. Math for children. A game for children on the speed. Math Board Games For Children

Math Fact Games and Activities

Because fluency can be fun!

Multiplication & Division

These arithmetic skills can be a little tricky for some kids, so you’ll need all the resources you can get.

Multiplication Activities

Multiply the fun as kids learn!

Division Activities

It’s time to divide and conquer.

Multiplication and division table of 6. Maths card with an example, drawing. Multiplication Square, vector illustration. Printed products, banner, table for children, schoolchildren. School education, logical task

Area Model Multiplication

Make sure they really understand the concept.

Multiplication Games Printable Spinners

Printable Multiplication Spinners

Turn facts practice into a game!

Math Class. Chalkboard with division problems.

Teaching Long Division

Here’s how to do it right.

Five sheets from the multiplication bundle on a blue background.

Multiplication Worksheets

Free printables for practice at home or in the classroom.

A simple mathematical example in a clean school notebook. Back to school. The concept of primary education.

Multiplication Songs

Catchy tunes for math class.

Fractions & Rational Thinking

Learning about the parts of a whole can be challenging—try these resources to make it easier.

Plastic eggs with equivalent fractions written on each half (Third Grade Math Games)

Fraction Games

Hands-on ways to practice.

Kids hand moves wooden parts of fractions. Wooden toys on colorful paper. Educational fractions. Toys for kindergarten, preschool or daycare. Funny math game. Education in school. Top view

Strategies for Teaching Fractions

Different methods for different students.

Pictures of pizza fraction posters illustrated by Todd Parr for We Are Teachers

Pizza Fractions Posters

Kids love this concept!

Blue and Yellow pool noodles are cut into small sections and labeled with number for the activity Pool Noodle Fractions

Pool Noodle Fractions

You’ll love this clever tool!

Six circles depicting various mathematical fractions

Fraction Anchor Charts

Resources for your walls.

Flay lays of equivalent fractions worksheets

Equivalent Fraction Printables

Free practice for your class.

Paper Plate Fractions Will Be Your New Favorite Way to Teach Fractions

Paper Plate Fractions

Simple, fun, and hands-on!

Problem-Solving Skills

These are skills they’ll use every day, in and out of the math classroom.

Check Out These 50 Kindergarten Math Word Problems of the Day

Kindergarten Math Word Problems

Sue has 5 markers. Tom has 3 markers …

First Grade math word problem on a classroom flatlay.

1st Grade Math Word Problems

8 kids are in the pool, and 3 get out …

2nd Grade Problem of the Day

2nd Grade Math Word Problems

Mike has 6 more crayons than Paige …

50 Third grade math problems.

3rd Grade Math Word Problems

823 people were at the game after 37 left …

Check Out These 50 Fourth Grade Math Word Problems of the Day

4th Grade Math Word Problems

Tom’s bike cost $50 more than Bob’s bike …

Tablet screen showing 5th grade math problems.

5th Grade Math Word Problems

How many empty seats were on the flights?

Geometry, Measurement & Data

From learning shapes to calculating area and perimeter, geometry and measurement concepts are an important part of teaching elementary math. Develop spatial reasoning and measurement skills with our collection of tips and math resources for grades K–5.

Geometry & Spatial Thinking

Teach 2D and 3D shapes, explore angles, and build spatial reasoning with these ideas.

Activities for Learning Shapes

Squares, circles, cubes, spheres, and more!

Geometry Games

Fun activities for preschool to grade 5.

Child is playing with wooden geoboard at home. Children's creative game for early development and fine motor skills.

Using Geoboards

Rubber bands + pegboards = fun!

Geometric Art Explorations

Cross-curriculum learning at its best.

Geometry Transformation Activity: Transformation Aquariums

Geometry Aquarium Activity

Bring geometry to life!

Teaching Angles With Pasta Shapes

Teach Angles With Pasta

This is so fun!

Measurement

Standard or metric, measurement skills are a foundational part of elementary math.

Teaching Measurement Feature

Measurement Activities

Break out the rulers and measuring tapes!

two ideas for area and perimeter activities

Area & Perimeter Activities

Teach kids these practical everyday skills.

Inches ruler

Printable Rulers

Ready to measure anytime!

Examples of telling time games and activities including concentric circles and I spy activities

Telling-Time Activities

Time flies when you’re having fun.

two pi day activity examples

Pi Day Activities

Celebrate all things 3.14!

a preview of our free metric conversion worksheet packet

Metric Conversion Printables

Centimeters to inches and more.

Teach Non Standard Weights Using This Homemade Weigh Station

Non-Standard Weights Activity

Turn a hanger into a scale.

Data & Graphing

So many careers involve dealing with data, making these skills an absolute must for today’s kids.

Cartoon Children and big bar chart illustration

Graphing Activities

Bowl and graph!

Best graphing websites.

Websites for Teaching Graphing

Bookmark these sites.

Graphing on Sticky Notes

The clever hack your students will love!

FEATURED RESOURCE

Pi Day Worksheets

This free printable bundle is full of fun ways to celebrate Pi Day on March 14 each year!

Math Activities, Games & Tools

Some students intrinsically love math, while it can be a hard sell for others. That’s why you need a variety of activities and games in your toolkit—lots of fun ways to build engagement in the math classroom. Check out these hands-on learning ideas, online games and videos, and more.

Math Games & Hands-On Learning

When math learning feels like a game, engagement is sure to skyrocket!

Math card games

Math Card Games

Fraction war, anyone?

A board game with some figures and dice

Best Math Board Games

So many classics and new favorites to try.

Mixed color dices in child's hands.

Math Dice Games

Roll up some fun!

1st Grade Math Games

Shape Guess Who!

2nd Grade Math Games

Fill a Big Piggie!

3rd Grade Math Games

Domino multiplication!

4th Grade Math Games

Geometry bingo!

5th Grade Math Games

Make a buck!

Dr. Seuss Math Activities

The Cat in the Hat does math!

Young girl with braids is crouching down, drawing a hopscotch grid with colorful chalk on the pavement

Active Math Games

Kinesthetic learning for all.

Background of different colored LEGO blocks

LEGO Math Activities

Build math engagement.

Digital Tools & Media

Turn screen time into learning time with these math learning ideas.

math websites feature

Best Math Websites for Kids

Something for every teacher and student.

Two students look at an reader together

Online Math Games for Kids

Meaningful learning that’s also fun.

Screenshot from Numberblocks Math Videos for Kids

Our Favorite Math Videos

Explore concepts, sing songs, and more.

Our Favorite Division and Multiplication Videos

Multiplication & Division Videos

Animate your math lessons!

Best Subtraction and Addition Videos

Addition & Subtraction Videos

Press play to learn.

Math Practice & Printables

Looking for free, easy ways to help students practice and learn? Try these options!

Two upside-down cups with the bottoms cut out mounted to a board. Student is dropping dice through them into a box below, and a math equation is written on the board

DIY Dice Calculator

Make it with just a few simple supplies.

complete math success

Math Worksheets for Grades 1–3

Quick ways to practice.

Spot Art Feature

K–6 Math Worksheets

This bundle has it all.

Place Value Activities Shaker WeAreTeachers

Printable Place Value Game

Grab a pill container …

Sums of 10 Worksheet

5 + 5, 2 + 8, 4 + 6 …

Sorting & Counting Coins

Real-life money skills.

Elapsed Time Worksheet

How long has it been?

Printable sheet for cube classroom games.

10s & 100s Cube Game

Engaging addition and subtraction practice.

Tally Around the Room

Count up what you see.

Flat lays of number tracing worksheets

Number-Tracing Worksheet

Learn to write numerals.

Order of Operations Choice Board

Order of Operations Worksheets

PEDMAS perfection!

play money in color printable examples

Free Play Money Printables

Print your own at home!

Math Classroom Environment

Fill your space with positive math energy!

Different types of math manipulatives like blocks, play money, and dice.

Using Math Manipulatives

Math cubes, pattern blocks, dice, and more.

Lets Talk Math poster on wall next to backpack.

Positive Math Talk Posters

Change the ways they think about math!

Math Supplies

Elementary Math Supplies

And where to buy them.

A multi-ethnic group of elementary age students are learning the days of the week with their teacher.

Math Bulletin Boards

Decorate those walls!

Math Poems for Kids

Put numbers into words.

Making Big and Small Numbers - Teaching Number Sense

Number Songs for Kids

Get ready to sing along!

math quote feature

Math Quotes

“Budgeting is a math exercise.”

Teaching Strategies & Tips

Find out how to teach math effectively with these strategies, guides, and helpful tips. You’ll also find support for talking to parents, dealing with struggling students, and providing math enrichment opportunities for every age and ability.

Math Instructional Strategies

Support and inspiration for teaching elementary math.

A black elementary teacher with children in the classroom. They are sitting at desks having a math lesson.

Essential Strategies for Teaching Math

Give every student a chance to succeed.

What Is Dyscalculia

Understanding Dyscalculia

This math learning disorder deserves more attention.

A multiracial group of elementary students in class raising their hands to answer a question. The focus is on their teacher, an African-American and Hispanic woman in her 30s, who is sitting in front, facing them, smiling and pointing to a student. Most of the students are 9 years old.

How To Pose Better Math Questions

Really make them think.

what is math intervention?

What Is Math Intervention?

And how to do it well.

Doing math. Saving lives.

Improve Equity in Teaching Math

Ensure every student is seen and heard.

Big Ideas & Math Concepts

Vocabulary, fact fluency, real-life math application, and more.

Girl child, thinking and light bulb for learning math, numbers and creative vision, ideas or solution at home. Kid with school book, writing and education doodle, brainstorming or imagination overlay

Why Math Is Important

And how to help your students see it too.

Multicolored addition flashcards.

Memorization vs. Fact Fluency

Which is better for learning?

Printable sheets of math word lists.

Math Vocabulary Words

Sum, equation, angle, factor, and more.

Frustrated schoolboy in front of blackboard with math problems

Stop Saying “I’m Bad at Math”

It’s not helping kids.

Free printable worksheets and lesson plans for teaching budgeting skills

Examples of Math in Real Life

Because kids really will use it every day!

Example of new math in common core.

Common Core Math for Parents

It’s different, but it doesn’t have to be scary.

Math Extensions & Enrichment

Expand their knowledge beyond the numbers.

26 Famous Mathematicians Everyone Should Know

Famous Mathematicians

Pythagoras, Newton, Johnson, and more.

math picture books

Picture Books About Math

Your shelves need these!

Who Invented Math? The History of Mathematics

History of Mathematics

Who invented math?

math brain teasers

Math Brain Teasers for Kids

Think outside the box.

Math Jokes & Puns

What did one math book say to the other?

Math Riddles Feature

Math Riddles for All Ages

Which weighs more …?

Pi Day jokes for kids.

Hilarious Jokes About Pi

What’s the best way to serve pi?

Sudoku-style japanese logic game: kakuro

Magical Math Puzzles

Kids will be amazed.

Math teacher memes for the classroom

Our Favorite Math Teacher Memes

Go on, you deserve a laugh!

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