Why Does Mathnasium of Bryan Love Math Games?
Part of the answer is obvious. As a math instruction center, everything is centered on math.
So really the question is…
What benefits do games have over other instructional strategies?
- Games are inherently motivating. Invite your child to play a game. You are more likely to get a “yes!” than inviting your child to work in a workbook. It will probably even be a highlight in the day for both of you. Games offer a way to connect, talk, and laugh with your child. Keep the attitude light and fun.
- Math games using strategy encourage children to think about numbers creatively.
- Math games with an element of speed increase numerical fluency.
- Math games give parents and instructors an insight into a child’s mathematical thinking.
- Playing the same game repeatedly gives the child the opportunity to keep improving and refining their speed, strategy, and skill. The same game can actually be more fun the more it is played as children see their skills increase.
- Children of varying levels can play the same game together with some rule alterations. The child with more advanced skills becomes a role model for the other child.
- Different games provide different opportunities for different children to shine.
- There are so many great games to choose from!!! At Mathnasium of Bryan we provide a special deck of cards to encourage you to play at home. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics also encourages playing math games. (https://www.nctm.org/publications/teaching-children-mathematics/blog/why-play-math-games_/ ) Some games that seem like word games such as, UpWords ,™ Scrabble, ™ and Boggle ™ also have a math component for scorekeeping and strategy. They are a sneaky way to incorporate math into a game for those reluctant to try a “math game”.
Play at Home, or Play Here, but Play Somewhere
We would love to have parents playing math games with their kids. But we know sometimes other needs are pressing. Check with us to find out when our next Game Night will be. Want to know more about math and math games? Give us a call at (979) 221-1558
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