Mathematics is generally not one of the most popular school subjects for children. However, elementary school students in particular usually encounter the topic without reservations - one goal: learn math and have fun doing it. This is not always possible at school due to the rigid teaching methods, at home it can be much more relaxed. Board games are a good tool for children to learn math while playing.
According to the Munich State Institute for School Quality and Educational Research, children learn mathematical skills very differently. The publishing giant points this out Ravensburger who, with ThinkFun, has a series of learning and puzzle games in its sales portfolio. The differences in learning skills are not always taken into account in lessons. The crux of the matter: the development of mathematical skills builds on each other in the same way as the individual teaching units. If a topic is not understood, it is difficult to follow the rest of the content. Therefore, it is not surprising that mathematics is one of the TOP 3 subjects that need external help.
Practice math basics with board games
In order not to get bogged down in elementary school, educators advocate a simple approach: practice basic skills, practice, practice. For the third International Mathematics Day, Ravensburger referred to ThinkFun's logic and puzzle games and "how much fun algebra and the like can be". One reason for this is the gameplay: All tasks start out easy and gradually become more challenging without overtaxing the player.
Board games to practice and deepen basic arithmetic:
Prime Climb
With Prime Climb, players develop a feel for numbers and discover the patterns behind their calculations. An ingenious color coding helps: On the playing field with the numbers from zero to 101, each prime number is shown in a different color. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are cleverly visualized in this way. What the players intuitively grasp here is what the experts call prime factor analysis. With a great mix of strategy and luck, this fast-paced game is easy enough for kids yet dynamic enough for adults.
For children from 10 years, 27,99 euros (RRP)
math dice
This is how mental arithmetic is fun! Players from the age of eight immerse themselves in the world of numbers with the Math Cube and playfully deepen the types of arithmetic from addition to multiplication to root extraction. Two result dice determine the number sought. The goal is to use three more dice and a clever choice of arithmetic operations to calculate a value that is as close as possible to the result number faster than the other players. Whoever has the best solution wins a point and the next round begins. Whether in a duel or together, easy or difficult - the game can be adapted to the skill of the players.
For children from 8 years, RRP 12,99 euros
Board games for training heuristic strategies:
Rush Hour
In Rush Hour, the player guides a red car through a traffic jam to the exit by cleverly moving other vehicles. 40 task cards in four levels of difficulty indicate the location of the red car and the other vehicles. Each card is a new challenge, because the tasks are becoming more and more difficult - but only so much that the player can solve them with a little thought. The brain goes into turbo gear and the player trains his strategic thinking.
For children from 8 years, 24,99 euros (RRP)
Gravity Maze
Gravity Maze will test the player's imagination and logical thinking. Who can cleverly combine the transparent towers on the game board so that the metal ball rolls through all tower parts and lands in the red target tower? Only if the player correctly combines all the towers will there be an uninterrupted path through the labyrinth for the ball.
For children from 8 years, 24,99 euros (RRP)
Board games create varied learning situations – whether at school or at home. In order to be able to convey elementary skills - also, but not only in mathematics - the playful approach is a modern alternative to the rigid everyday learning and learning. Last but not least, games can help because the acquisition of skills, including mathematical basics, has long since been brought forward from elementary school to preschool. The rule game - the focus of parlor games - is, according to some researchers, the final variant of playing overall, which results in an advantage that should not be underestimated: Assuming that children's ability to play increases gradually, board and card games can be considered as Embedding learning and teaching materials in an overall learning concept in a meaningful way, even in the later development phase.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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ThinkFun - 76429 - Prime Climb - The colorful math game for...* |
22,42 EUR |
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