There are many math games you can play at home with children and
five games will be discussed as starting points for having fun with
math. Of course the key point is for children to have fun and learn
at the same time. These two can go hand in hand as long as they are
done correctly. Let's take a look at a few games children will have
fun playing and learn in the process.
The first fun way is through the use of an online computer program
using virtual manipulatives by Utah State University. Their website
is designed
to engage student critical thinking skills as they apply math concepts.
They have interactive games for all math concept areas to allow students
to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Children love to play anything on the computer and it can become
as family event as teams work together attempting to solve some of
the more challenging problems. The key for this website is every activity
and game is completely interactive, challenging children to think
and solve problems. Children will get so wrapped up in the process
they will forget the fact they are actually learning math.
Another fun activity is playing board games with children. Yes, this
is using math skills along with having fun. Children have to apply
problem solving skills, basic arithmetic computations, reasoning,
and probability to determine what their next step will be no matter
the simplicity or complexity of the board game. Good board games to
play are Yahtzee and Monopoly.
The third fun math game you can play at home with children evolves
eating food. Combining the use of food in math problems is another
strategy for learning basic math skills. Skittles are always good
because they come in a variety of colors, so do M&Ms. Another consideration
is to use healthy foods such as apples, grapes, orange slices, crackers,
different types of cheeses, etc. These foods can be used as manipulatives
to replace numbers in a math problem. As children practice their math
skills, they get to eat their math. Problems are associated with buying
foods and other products, so children can use their problem solving
skills and make connections to real world situations.
A fourth fun game to play with children to help them learn math is
playing War with cards. This is where each person gets a specific
number of cards. Every player turns their top card over at the same
time. The player with the highest card wins and collects the other
cards. This continues until one player has all cards. Children are
using their mental math skills, along with adding and subtracting
numbers to see who wins.
A fifth fun game to play with children at home is Concentration. To play this
game, matching cards are placed randomly face down on the table. Then
each player takes turns turning over two cards at a time. The goal
of each player is to find the matching cards and the player with the
most matching pairs wins the game. This involves the use of mental
math and recognition skills, logical and reasoning, and problem solving
skills to complete the game.
Also, do not tell your children this important information while
they are having fun. You do not want to spoil any of these games.
These were just intended to be an introduction to fun games you can
play with your children at home and they learn math in the process.
Learning can be fun, as long as it is used the correct way and children
are not forced to play games to learn math. They need to play games
and learn math in the process.