fun maths games for 8 year old

[cloutiedumpling]

I've had DS1's school report and I've found out that he isn't doing as well in maths as I'd thought. His teacher says that he needs to work more on multiplication and division. We break up for the summer holidays next week though (we don't live in England) and I can't really expect his teacher to give me extra work to do with him over the summer. Are there any good websites with maths games that might be fun for him?

I recommend www.arcademics.com/games/

Hi cloutiedumpling,
Take a look at www.komodomaths.com. It's not really a game and it's not free (£9pm) but it's worked well for us and the kids like it. I tried some free maths games and apps but the quality ranged from poor to useless.

Hi cloutiedumpling:

I'd highly recommend Woodland Junior School's Maths Zone:

resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/

times tables and division section has lots of games.

Mumsnet have a nice grid square game with times tables here: www.mumsnet.com/learning/maths/interactive-times-tables-activity. They also have a link to the Pearson Maths Champs on-line games here: www.mathschamps.co.uk/#home - which has lots of games to reinforce multiplication/ division skills.

Table trees is a nice slow game to build up skills: www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/tabletrees.html

If your DS likes a bit of a challenge (and it can also be a bit tense) - consider downloaded the free version of Timez Attack & the division version (when you're ready). You are cast as a young ogre and search out multiplication problems to solve in a dungeon or castle. It reviews the fact that this is multiple additions (by counting up as you collect balls - so collecting 6 balls and counting by 4 for 6 x 4). Then it presents you with a problem (vertical style) to solve. After that an ogre comes out to quiz you on this and the last two mutliplication problems you've been doing. You only have so long to answer so it can be tense. Once you've completed a level and giant ogre comes to quiz you. You start where you're at (they test your ability) and it really does bring on speed (those ogres are very motivating!). Link here: www.bigbrainz.com/

If you think that there is a lot of confusion and your DS could do with more formal learning you may want to consider an on-line tutorial - lots of people here praising Kumodo, Mathletics, Maths Whizz and I fear I am a fan of Mathsfactor. Just google them - all offer free trials and have some videos/ testimonials. Have a peak, there may be something there your DS likes.

HTH