A Fun Addition and Subtraction Game: The Bus Stop Game!

All aboard for a fun maths adventure! Our free online “Bus Stop Game” is a wonderful way for young children to learn the basics of addition and subtraction in a visual, story-based setting. If you’re looking for an engaging maths game to support your child’s learning in Key Stage 1, the bus is ready to depart!

This interactive game turns maths problems into a real-world scenario. Children watch as passengers get on and off a double-decker bus at each stop. Then, they are challenged to work out how many people are on the bus in total. It’s a simple, powerful, and fun way to visualize “adding more” and “taking away.”

How to Play

1. Start the Journey: The game begins with a few passengers already on the bus.
2. Go to the Next Stop: Click the “Next Stop” button to drive the bus to the next stop.
3. See Who’s Waiting: Watch as new passengers appear at the bus stop, or see some get off the bus.
4. Solve the Sum: The game will ask you an addition or subtraction question based on what happened (e.g., “4 + 2 = ?”).
5. Check Your Answer: Type in your answer. If you’re correct, the passengers will move, and the number of people on the bus will update!

Learning Objectives & Curriculum Links

The Bus Stop Game is a valuable educational tool designed to support key learning goals within the UK’s Early Years (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) maths curriculum.

• Target Age Group: This game is ideal for children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 (ages 4-7). It’s perfectly suited for children who are learning to add and subtract numbers up to 10 and 20.
• Key Maths Focus:
  • Addition and Subtraction: The game directly supports the curriculum aim for children to “add and subtract one-digit and two-digit numbers to 20, including zero.”
  • Visual Representation: It provides a clear, concrete model for abstract concepts. Children can visually see the group getting bigger (addition) or smaller (subtraction).
  • Counting On and Back: The game encourages children to use mental maths strategies like “counting on” when passengers get on, and “counting back” when they get off.
  • Problem Solving: By presenting the sum in a real-world context, the game helps children understand how to apply maths to everyday situations.

Tips for Teachers and Parents

This interactive maths game is a fantastic resource for both the classroom and for supporting learning at home.

• For Teachers: The Bus Stop Game is an excellent tool for an interactive whiteboard. Use it as a whole-class starter to introduce a lesson on addition or subtraction. You can pause at each stop to encourage mathematical discussion, asking questions like, “Are there more or fewer people on the bus now? How do you know?” It’s also a perfect independent activity for tablets during a maths station rotation.
• For Parents: This game offers a fun and engaging alternative to worksheets. Playing alongside your child provides a great opportunity to talk about numbers in a relaxed way. You can help them count the passengers on the bus and the people in the queue to find the answer together, building their confidence and making maths a positive experience.

Enjoy the journey! Don’t forget to explore the other free online maths games we have available for primary-aged children.