| It's common knowledge that young children whose | | | | price cannot be put on the quality of the time you will |
| parents read to them have a tremendous advantage | | | | have spent together. They will have fun while learning, |
| in school. But did you know that you can also help your | | | | and they will remember those times with greater |
| child learn mathematics by doing and supporting math | | | | fondness than the times they spent playing the |
| at home - with games? | | | | educational computer game or doing a ditto or |
| As a National Board Certified Master Teacher, I've | | | | workbook page. |
| been teaching math with games to children for many | | | | There are literally hundreds of fun and easy games |
| years, and I see that children no longer memorize their | | | | you can play with your kids to help them learn math |
| addition facts or multiplication tables. With the math | | | | and actually enjoy it! Games specific to your child's |
| curriculum as extensive as it is, teachers cannot afford | | | | grade level are best. |
| to take the time to ensure that students learn the | | | | Here's an example of a great game for Second |
| basic facts. Parents are partners in the process, and | | | | Graders called "Get Close to 100." |
| you can offer greater opportunities for your child to | | | | Get Close to 100 is a great game for second graders. |
| succeed in math if you support the learning of the | | | | It helps children practice double-digit addition with |
| basics at home. | | | | special emphasis on understanding place value. |
| Many years ago I discovered that math games fit the | | | | Get Close to 100 |
| bill wonderfully! Math games put children in exactly the | | | | What you need: |
| right frame of mind for learning. Children are normally | | | | - 2 - 4 players |
| very eager to play games. They relax when they play, | | | | - deck of cards, 10s removed |
| and they concentrate. They don't mind repeating | | | | - Get "Close to 100? recording sheets (below) for |
| certain facts or procedures over and over. In an | | | | each player |
| engaging math game, children will be more focused | | | | The object of the game is to make a two-digit addition |
| and retention will be greater. | | | | problem that comes as close to 100 as possible. |
| Dittos or workbook pages are not appropriate if you | | | | Shuffle cards and place them face down in a pile. |
| want your child to be excited about math. Children | | | | Player #1 turns over 4 cards and moves the cards |
| throw themselves into playing games the way they | | | | around until he/she has created a two-digit addition |
| never throw themselves into filling out workbook | | | | problem whose sum will be as close to 100 as he/she |
| pages or dittos. | | | | can make it. You can go over 100. Player #1 records |
| | | | | this problem on his/her recording sheet. Player #2 |
| Games offer a pleasant way for you to get involved | | | | checks for addition accuracy. |
| in your child's math education. You may be one of | | | | Example: Player #1 draws a 4, a 7, a 2, and a 5. He |
| those many parents who don't feel comfortable with | | | | she moves the cards around until she/he decides that: |
| math, or who assume it takes special expertise to | | | | 47 + 52 = 99 is the closest that he/she can get. |
| teach it. Believe me, as a veteran teacher, when I say | | | | Player # 2 draws four cards and does the same. |
| that you don't have to be a math genius to play a | | | | The points for each round are the difference between |
| game. With a math game, you don't have to worry | | | | their sum and 100. |
| about pushing or pressuring your child. All that you | | | | Example: A sum of 95 scores 5 points and so does a |
| have to do is propose a game to your child and start | | | | sum of 105. |
| to play. | | | | Players compare scores at the end of this first round. |
| Games can help your child learn almost everything | | | | They put their four cards in a discard pile and player |
| they need to master in elementary math. Games | | | | #2 begins first and turns over four more cards for the |
| solidify the achievements of children who are already | | | | second round. |
| good at math, and they shore up children who need | | | | After six rounds, players total their points and the |
| shoring up. | | | | player with the lowest score wins. |
| Children crave time spent with their parents. Because | | | | These games offer you and your child the opportunity |
| learning is a social process, children learn best through | | | | to have fun together with math, think hard, and enjoy it. |
| fun games that involve interaction with other people. | | | | How often do you say that about doing math at |
| Seize this opportunity to indulge them with your own | | | | home? |
| undivided attention. Try a math game with your child. A | | | | |