Number Sense and Math Games

After reflecting on another week of implementation, I have enjoyed spending time helping students build number sense and practicing daily math games. One student said, "Mr. Thielke, this seems to be too much fun to be math." I told the student simply, "math is fun, you can make it as fun as you want!"
Not every activity/game that we have done in class has raised student interest. Some have not liked all of the things we have done. I try to remind them of the reason for doing them as well as try to change things to keep their motivation. We have been working a lot with dice and dominoes as of late and working on building the ability to see the number as well as creating visualization/mental images of number. On Fridays, I am working towards allowing them a choice day in which students can choose a game that we have already learned and spent time doing.
Many students have been using their fingers or touching the dots on the math tools, a great starting place. I am hoping through our discussions and practice that fingers and touching will slowly be eliminated. There are a few students who simply still struggle in solving a basic problem. What do I need to do with them? We have been talking about steps to take in order to solve the problem. I am hoping they will take the risk and attempt every problem even if it takes them extra time.
Next week I will administer a written timed test and check in to see if students are making any gains from their pre test. I would predict that we should do better, but with 7 and 8 year olds anything is possible.
I have a few students who are always off task and need redirection. What can I do to keep them more on task? How can I assure those students are doing the activity the way it should be done? Are they getting anything out of the discussions/games/activities? As of now, I try to group those students with higher students in hopes those students will help keep them on task. Depending on the day, I will also work with a student one on one or with the pair to make sure the activity is done right.
What will our first results look like? I am curious to find out more next week.