- One interactive way for young children to learn integers is with a game of bingo using positive and negative numbers. Create several bingo cards out of poster board and markers. Instead of using the traditional number scheme, mix it up by throwing in --13, --6, --28 and so on. This game is played just like the regular game of Bingo and is great for a large group of children.
- This game is designed for outdoor play. Create a hopscotch grid on concrete with chalk. Hopscotch grids are made up of several randomly arranged and connected squares, somewhat resembling a small crossword puzzle. Write numbers inside the squares, including some negative numbers. You can play this game by instructing a child to jump only on the negative numbers or only on the positive numbers. This game is best played by one person at a time.
- Children will love this integer game that uses candy. Give each child a small bag of multicolored candies. Have the children separate their candies into groups by color. The object of the game is to make the positive number of each candy "negative" by eating them. The adult starts off by saying "Add --2 green candies to your group of green candies." Then the child would eat two of the green. This would go on until the first child has eaten all of his or her candies. You can play a healthier version using sunflower seeds or raisins.
- You can also create an easy integer board game. Take one square foot piece of cardboard. Draw a border of one-inch squares inside the cardboard square, like a Monopoly board. Inside of each square write a statement such as, "Move forward two spaces," or "Move --3 spaces (go back three spaces)." These are arranged all around the board with a statement in every square, except for a "Start" and "Finish" square next to each other. Each player each gets his or her own colored dot or small object and must roll a dice to start. The first player to hit the "Finish" square wins.
Integer Bingo
Integer Hopscotch
Candy Math
Integer Board Game
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