Free Math Facts Worksheets That are Actually Fun!

Truth bomb incoming… regular math facts worksheets are boring!

Most teachers know that students dislike repetitive math facts worksheets, but continue to hand them out because they think it’s the only way to practice those important skills. But rows and rows of addition and subtraction problems might be hurting students, not helping them.

Boring math assignments can actually cause students to dislike math. It can also stress them out! The last thing you want to do is turn students against math. Younger learners can carry their dislike of a subject with them for years, which hurts their chances of excelling in math down the road.

This was a problem I dealt with for YEARS. I hated passing out math facts worksheets, but I didn’t know what else to do. I thought it was the only way. And then I discovered math number searches!

What are number searches?

Number searches are pretty much exactly what they sound like: word searches, but with numbers. Instead of locating a word in a puzzle, students solve a math fact to get a number. Then, they search for that number in the puzzle!  When all of the math problems are solved and found in the number search puzzle, the activity is complete.

Number searches are the best math facts worksheets that I have yet to try. Students love them and get excited to challenge themselves. Plus, they are super versatile. You can use number searches to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division!

FREE number search resource

Over 4000 teachers have already tried my number searches and given rave reviews, so I wanted to share a free sample for those of you who haven’t given them a go!

This Free Number Search Sample Pack will get the math facts party started in your classroom. I’ve even had teachers tell me that their students literally beg for them. If that doesn’t speak volumes, I don’t know what will! Teachers also love that these puzzles give them an idea of who really knows their stuff. If a student is searching for a number that’s not on the puzzle, it shows you that they need a little more practice.

These free math facts worksheets are super low prep, but the payoff is huge. Simply print on your choice of paper and pass out to students. You can use them in class or as homework, whatever suits your needs!

How can I use these free number search puzzles in the classroom?

I have used these number search puzzles in many different ways in my classroom, so I wanted to share a few of those with you. Here are some of my favorite ways…

●       Early finisher activity — Students who finish early can simply grab a puzzle and get to work while the rest of the class wraps up what they’re working on! I try to keep my students engaged and their brains active at all times, and this is one of my go-to finisher activities for doing so.

●       Higher learner activity — These free math facts worksheets are great for enriching math skills in higher level learners.

●       Center activity — Students can work together or solo to solve a puzzle for their math center.

●       Substitute activity — Students require very little direction to complete these math facts worksheets, which makes it a great option for substitute plans! It’s not just a boring or “filler” worksheet either, so you can be confident that your students are practicing valuable skills while you’re away from the classroom.

●       Reusable activity — To save paper and reuse this activity, simply laminate the pages. Then, students can use dry erase markers to complete the puzzle. Laminating these puzzles will make them last for years!

Want more number search fun?

If your students can’t get enough of these free number searches, I have a whole Number Search Bundle available! The first resource in this bundle includes addition and subtraction math facts through 100. The second resource includes multiplication and division through 12! With these two resources, you’ll be able to give every student the practice they need.

The Number Search Bundle also includes digital versions of each puzzle, which are perfect for distance learning. Thanks to Google Slides, you can assign them to students via Google Classroom so that everybody stays on track!

Conclusion

Say goodbye to boring math facts worksheets and say hello to fun number searches! This Free Number Search Sample Pack will help your students practice their math facts without the repetitiveness. Students love having a new way to do math, and teachers love that they’re getting valuable practice in. For more number search fun, check out the Number Search Bundle!

Have you downloaded your free number searches? I’d love to hear how your class liked them!