understand quantity
connect sign to meaning
reveal legality
account is used in life
Compares and arranges
Detects which is greater, completes a sequence and finds an adjacent or missing number.
Math Thinking Games for Kids
Mathematical thinking grows through meaningful actions: counting, comparing, grouping, ordering, completing patterns, and choosing a strategy for a simple problem.
Zivaro's math world includes 58 activities in the field of arithmetic and mathematics: from counting, quantities and comparison to addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, money, time and measurements. The child is not just looking for an answer - he builds a quantity, identifies a connection, chooses an action and checks what has changed.
understand quantity
connect sign to meaning
reveal legality
account is used in life
What does the child do to understand math?
In each activity a mathematical idea becomes a clear action. The child sees what is on the screen, changes something himself and receives feedback that connects the action with the number, sign or result.
Builds and modifies a quantity
Adds, subtracts, divides into groups and immediately sees how the amount changes.
Chooses a calculation method
Connects exercise, result and visual representation and tests more than one way.
Applies math in familiar situations
Reads an hour, builds a sum of money, balances a weight and uses units of measurement.
Four tracks that make up mathematical thinking
Not a list of episodes — a map of abilities that develop through gameplay
The activities combine number sense, arithmetic operations, transition between representations and mathematics from everyday life. The same child can start on one track, return to another and gradually connect them.
Number Sense: Quantity, Order and Comparison
Before solving an exercise you need to understand what the number represents and how it is related to the numbers around it.
- Digit matching for quantity and object counting
- adjacent numbers, missing number and ascending or descending order
- Comparing quantities and values
- even and odd, dice, dominoes and a number line
What's happening: Number sense, estimation, order and accuracy.
Arithmetic operations and calculation strategies
The child learns to see action as a change in quantity, and not just as a series of signs to remember.
- Addition and subtraction using quantities and written exercises
- Ten's complement, mental arithmetic and target puzzles
- vertical addition and subtraction
- Multiplication, division and equal division of items
What's happening: Flexibility in calculation, choosing a way and checking the result.
Relationships, parts and mathematical representations
Here the same idea appears in a shape, number, strip or line - and the child learns to move between them.
- Fraction as a part of a whole, numerator and denominator
- Decimal numbers and operations with unit strips
- factors, multiples and prime numbers
- Relationship between visual representation, sign and result
What's happening: Understanding relationships, inclusion and transition between representations.
Mathematics in everyday life
Numbers take on a useful meaning when you need to buy, measure, read the time or find a date.
- Coins, bills, amount building and giving surplus
- Clock, hours, minutes and seconds
- days, months and calendar
- Weight, scales, units and graduated line
What's happening: Numerical implementation, design and decision making.
Age is a starting point, not a test. Choose an activity according to what the child already understands: first meaning and quantity, then speed and fluency.
The same idea — in several representations
That way the knowledge doesn't stay tied to one screen
Mathematical understanding is strengthened when the child recognizes the same relationship in objects, both in numbers and in a practical situation. Therefore the activities do not show an account in only one way.
See objects and quantity
Dots, cubes, items and groups give a number meaning that can be seen.
Organize and take action
Add, subtract, divide, balance, or arrange to understand what has changed.
Connects to the digit and the sign
The quantity and the operation are connected to a number, a fraction, a decimal or a written exercise.
Recognizes the idea in a new context
The same principle repeats itself in money, time, measurement or any other numerical task.
Why is this important? The child does not remember only the position of the button. He learns to transfer a mathematical idea between different forms and to choose a way that suits the task.
How does the math challenge deepen?
Start with the obvious and add one layer at a time
Quantity, fit and order
Count objects, recognize digits, compare groups and complete short sequences.
Activities for ages 2–4
First actions and meaning
Add and subtract, complete to ten, read a simple hour and experiment with money and measurement.
Activities for ages 5–7
Relationships, Strategy and Accuracy
Progress to multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, factors, units and more complex operations.
Activities for ages 8–12
Questions about arithmetic games for children
Short answers before choosing an activity
Are all 58 activities suitable for every age?
No. The library includes activities at different levels. For young children, they start with quantity, matching and order, and later move on to arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, money and measurement.
At what age can you start learning numbers through play?
You can start when the child is interested in small amounts, matching and counting objects. There is no need to rush to write exercises before the meaning is clear.
What do you do if the child knows how to count but does not understand an amount?
Choose activities where you have to match a number to a group of objects, compare two groups or build a quantity by yourself. This is how the count connects to what the number represents.
Are there math games for compulsory kindergarten and preparation for first grade?
Yes. You can practice counting, ordering numbers, comparing quantities, completing to ten, first addition and subtraction, time, money and measurement in a playful way.
Are there also multiplication, division and fractions for older children?
Yes. There are activities for multiplication and division, equal division, factors and multiples, prime numbers, fractions and decimal numbers.
What do you do if the child calculates slowly?
Take time pressure off and return to a visual representation of the quantity or action. First build a clear and stable path; Speed comes later with practice.
Is there also mathematics from everyday life?
Yes. Activities include coins and bills, building a sum and giving a surplus, reading a clock and calendar, weight, scales and units of measurement.
How do you choose arithmetic games according to age and level?
Start with a task that the child understands without a long explanation. If he acts confidently, add one challenge; If the representation is confusing, return to a simpler visual stage.
Do math games replace teaching at school?
No. They give additional space for experimentation, repetition and discovery of a course of action and feedback, but do not replace a teacher or curriculum.
Want to discover math through action and play?
You can read about the early access conditions and join the list, or go to the guide for parents to practice arithmetic through play.