Why Does Mathnasium of Littleton Love Math Games

Part of the answer to that question is obvious. As a math instruction center, everything we do is centered on math.

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 or run through flash cards with you. 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(ren).
• Different games provide different opportunities for different children to shine.

There are so many great games to choose from!!!

At Mathnasium of Littleton we provide all of our enrolled, elementary age families with a special deck of cards to encourage you to play some of the same math games we use with our students at home (we also include instructions and tips for a variety of games to play with the cards). The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics also provides a some math game ideas. Some games that seem like word games such as, UpWords ,™ Scrabble, ™ and Boggle ™ also have a mathematical 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 at Mathnasium, but Play Somewhere
We would love to have parents playing math games everyday with their children. And we know sometimes other needs are more pressing. Our summer math program includes a game hour every Friday from noon-1:00 as well as daily math warm up games.

Want to know more about math and math games? Give us a call or text us at 303 979-9077