Games and Activities that Support Mathematical Thinking

Games and Activities that Support Mathematical Thinking at Home

PURPOSE

The purpose of this site is to share hands on and interactive math games you can play at home. The goal is to provide a variety of games, some games require no materials while others might require a few basic items to play. The games highlighted here are hands on and not digital. As technology continues to develop and provide wonderful learning opportunities, these games allow for a break from the screen and promote face to face interaction.

The Benefits of Math Play

There are an unlimited number of benefits when it comes to playing math games. Here are just a few:

Practice reinforces and deepens learning
Applying math concepts in different situations helps to build learning connections.
Playing with math provides an opportunity to reinforce a growth mindset
Instill a love of mathematics
Games allow us an opportunity to spend time together and to connect

Supporting a Growth Mindset Through Play

How Routine Practice Helps the Brain Grow

Hear about current research that tells us how the mind can learn and grow. Expert, Jo Boaler shares some critical understanding around the benefits of routine practice and how healthy challenges can help us to learn.

Explore more resources from Jo Boaler here.

👉 Advice for Parents from Professor Jo Boaler 👈

👉 12 Steps to Unlocking Student Math Achievement 👈

👉 Youcubed at Home 👈

How Can I Support A Growth Mindset When Playing Together?

Think About What We Say

We can support a growth mindset when playing together by thinking about what we say. We communicate a lot with how we model and respond to challenges ourselves! Visit Mindsetworks.com to see the full and interactive chart shown here.

Keep It Fun

(Image from Unsplash.com)

Brain based research shows us that we learn best when we feel challenged and safe enough to take on those challenges. An ideal setting is low threat (safe) and high challenge. If we feel fearful, we aren't likely to learn or retain information in a meaningful way. Keep play fun. If the game stops being fun, change it up! Take a break and try a new game next time. We want play to be fun, not a forced activity. Providing kids with a few game choices and letting them choose is a great way to get started.

For more reading about Brain Based Learning, CLICK HERE.

Primary Games

Grades K-3

Click HERE to visit the Primary Game Page. Here you will find a variety of hands on math games that reinforce number sense and logical skills while having fun.

Junior Games

Grades 4-6

Click HERE to visit the Junior Game Page. Here you will find a variety of hands on math games that reinforce number sense and logical skills while having fun.

Intermediate Games

Grades 7-8

Click HERE to visit the Intermediate Game Page. Here you will find a variety of hands on math games that reinforce number sense and logical skills while having fun.

Additional Resources

Resources that help us to promote a love of learning and mathematics.

Understood.Org

This site has some great reading around promoting a Growth Mindset with our children.

👉 CLICK HERE 👈

6Seconds.Org

This site has some great videos and resources around Growth Mindset as well.

👉 CLICK HERE 👈

MindsetWorks.Org

This site has a great chart giving alternative phrases we can be using when talking to our kids that promote a growth mindset.

👉 CLICK HERE 👈

Math Before Bed

This site provides some great resources around bringing math into your home in an authentic and meaningful way.

👉 CLICK HERE 👈

❤️Share With Us ❤️

Do you have a game to share?

We'd love to hear about any game you love to play that isn't included on our site. Please fill out this form to tell us about your game. We can't wait to read about it!

♜CLICK HERE ♜

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