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Games to make maths magical

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As a teacher or parent, you're probably aware that maths is often a less-than-fun activity for the children you teach. In fact, math can quickly turn into a dreaded subject. Maths can, however, be a magical learning opportunity for children, if approached the right way. This article offers a variety of games and activities to help you re-capture the magic of maths.

Maths Games

Using a white board or chalk board, write down a list of questions, with each question being an age appropriate math problem. Split your students into two teams, and let them take turns choosing and answering questions. The winning team gets a simple prize.

Worksheets and Puzzles

For younger children, finding a puzzle or coloring sheet that includes numbers, basic math, and their favorite theme is always an option. Let dinosaurs or butterflies help teach numbers – you'll be amazed as the smiles appear.

Connect Maths to Daily Life

Show your children how maths is used in daily tasks, like paying bills, grocery shopping, and more. Help them to see that the information they are struggling to learn in necessary for functioning in the adult world. Let them practice keeping a checkbook, “shop” at a pretend grocery store, or measure the materials to build a project from wood. Doing so will help them to see that maths has real-world applications.

Include Hands on Experiences

Basic maths, counting, addition, and subtraction are all enhanced by the addition of objects. Include maths in your day by asking about quantities of items as you go about your daily routine. Use beads, buttons, or other counters when practicing basic maths skills. Doing so helps to make maths both an intellectual and tactile experience. The more senses you can include, the better your child will grasp the concept.

As your children learn, be sure to consistently review the basics. Many children fail at maths because they are weak in basic areas. Maths builds on skill on top of the next, and if a building block is missing, the whole learning experience can come crashing down. Monthly or bi-monthly, schedule a review day. Take time to go over basic concepts that are needed to build on new skills. If your child is struggling, take time to evaluate their knowledge of the basic skills needed to do the exercise. You may be surprised at the difference that reviewing the basics can make.

Article by Rachel Goodchild