Fun and Lively Math Group Games for the Elderly

Each group of residents is different in their abilities, likes, and dislikes. The trick is to offer math activities that are fun, stimulating, and failure-free. Here are two fabulous group math activities that are easily adapted!

Getting Ready to Host a Math Activity

Before the activity, have residents help you make materials for the game. This will make them feel good and want to engage in the activity because they helped.

Residents can be seated in a circle, or they can be sitting at tables.

Pretend you are the host of a game show! Introduce each player (resident) and say something nice about him/her. Then have everyone in the group clap or cheer. This puts everyone in a good mood right from the start. Be enthusiastic and remember to compliment people.

You may also consider handing out participation prizes.

1. Math Bee

You will need

• 20+ index cards, I generally use 3 x 5 inch cards
• Two plastic containers that can fit the index cards

Set up

• Prior to the activity, gather a group of residents to help you formulate math questions for the game. This will give them practice doing the math and having fun at the same time. Have them give you the answers to the problems too.
• Write one problem on each card (without the answer)
• Use a minimum of 20 cards for the game. Use more for a big group or longer game.
• Put all the cards in one of the boxes

How to Play

Run the activity like a spelling bee!

• Have the first resident pick a card from the box
• Have them try to answer the problem
• Correct: If they answer correctly, they’re still in the game
• Incorrect: If not, they can ask for help
• Cheer when the resident gets the right answer!
• Have them put the answered problem card in the other box (discard box)
• Now it's the next person's turn
• Continue this process until everyone has had a turn

Adapting the Game

• Have teams. If someone answers incorrectly have others in the group help. I do not like to eliminate anyone.

How many turns each person has will depend on how many participants you have and the time allotted for the activity.

Before you finish the activity, you may want to reminisce about similar events they may have done in school. Spelling bees for instance used to be very popular.

2. Number Fortune

This is another fun game I play with the residents. They seem to really enjoy it!

You will need

• 25 index cards, I generally use 3 x 5 inch cards
• Two plastic containers that can fit the index cards

Preparation

• Write 1 through 25 on your index cards - ask residents to help you. Place them in one container. Alternatively, use the number template provided and cut out the 25 cards.
• Make several number fortune sheets - or use one of the sheets provided.

• Make a score sheet with the player names and then record the points earned for each correct answer. A sample score sheet is provided

Roles

• Group Leader
• Scorekeeper: Score totals should be done with the residents. This helps to further use math skills. Consider one of the following for the scorekeeper:
• High-functioning resident
• Volunteer
• Family member
• Other staff
• Group Leader (If the leader has to keep score, this will slow the game down)

How to play

• You are the host of this game show so again introduce each player before his turn. Say something nice about them!
• The first contestant picks a number out of the box then puts the number in the empty box (discard box)
• The number on the card is the number of the problem they must answer to get the points for that question
• Read the problem aloud to the contestant
• The contestant may say the answer or write down the question and try to solve it
• Allow them to get help if necessary (you may consider to split points with the helpers)
• If they answer correctly, add their points next to their name on the Score Card
• Finally, read out the correct answer to the group
• Now it's the next person’s turn

Continue this process until everyone has had a turn. How many turns each person has will depend on how many participants you have and the time allotted for the activity.

At the end of the game, add up each player's points.

Give out prizes to everyone, you want everyone to feel like a winner!

Additionally, you could give a special prize to the people who were the most helpful.

You can change the problems on the cards or the Number Fact Sheets as often as necessary.

More Math Activity Ideas

For additional problems refer to

• Maths Quiz#1
• Maths Quiz#2
• Make up your own appropriate problems

Other Math Activities

• Mathematics Activities For The Elderly
• Mind Bending Maths Riddles