Math and Games
Math can be a boring and dreadful subject for many students. It is hardly any fun at all to study and memorize multiplication tables, factors, exponents, addition and subtraction bonds and other number crunching concepts. Math facts are in fact (!) super boring just like grammar rules are. But these number horrors are also an absolute necessity when applying math in real life situations! If you cannot multiply 3 by 7, you would not know how much 7 hamburgers of 3 dollars each would cost you. Facts and application walk hand in hand here.
The problem is that not every student will want to master these needed basic math skills. Reciting math facts is not motivating and a waste of their precious engagement. The biggest problem with math is that many teachers make it all about formulas and numbers and not about the real life application of the subject. This makes reciting formulas, laws and number facts even more dreadful. A vicious circle so to speak.
So how can teachers increase engagement in mastering math facts? The answer is easy: by playing games of course. Stop making mathematics the most boring and worksheets dominated subject. Make is fun, motivating and exciting; make it a game by playing games. Kids love to play computer games and are pretty good at that, to be honest, so use this!
Teachers can find many interesting math games online these days. Teachers can ask students to practice these games at home, as homework, and to compete in math class. Fun and o so effective. There are games that focus on multiplication tables, division facts, addition and subtraction bonds, decimals, percentages, fractions, basically all the math topics a teacher can think of. Here on MathinEnglish.com you find a selection of great online math games for primary students. Studying and memorizing math facts can be fun this way. When students compete online or in the classroom the engagement is guaranteed. Learning will take place!
(Online) games are great for:
- -Reciting math facts
- -Problem solving skills
- -Both team individual math skills
- -Motivation and engagement
- -Stimulation of better students
- -Confidence
- -Remedial teaching and learning
- -Understanding of fundamental math concepts
Teachers, please use the internet and all available math games in combination with your workbooks and worksheets. The way children learn and enjoy learning has changed. Kids nowadays are more global, use internet and new media. Communication has changed the face of the earth the last decades, and teaching and learning will have to follow suit.
