Why play games in the math classroom? Sometimes we look at games as just a fun “extra” activity, but games are a fabulous way to increase both student engagement and rigor. Back in early spring, when I was able to visit both elementary and secondary classrooms seeing students engaged in math games demonstrated this clearly. As students played these games, they discovered patterns, strategies, and developed deeper mathematical ideas. As we find ourselves in a virtual teaching environment, games can be a valuable teaching tool.
We’ve learned through brain research the ways and the amount of time we interact with new information can support the growth of neural pathways for long-term memory. Games offer a context for deeper understanding, through interaction and by testing ideas and problem solving. Some games, when played repeatedly help develop computational fluency. Students are learning as they are fully engaged in the game play. Game time provides a valuable opportunity to diagnose and assess student understanding as students play individually, in pairs, or small groups.
Whether in-person or online take the time to play or introduce the game as a whole class before having students play. There are several resources for games; you may want to consider MathforLove.com or YoungMathematicians.edc.org (Ages 3-6). Many of these games can be played at home with parents/guardians or siblings. Here are a couple of online sites that you can incorporate into you online lessons or choice boards:
Polyup is an open computational thinking site. Activities for students grades 1-12 and has many resources for teachers as well as parents.
Solve Me Mobiles supports number sense and solving equations.
Neither site requires a login unless you wish to save progress or choose to design your own activity.
Look for games that have math at the core and creates situations of choice for players. Start simple to begin your journey.
Like any effective strategy, taking the time to plan and scheduling the time during instruction makes all the difference. You may even find great games included within your curriculum. If we plan well, playing games in class or online will support students’ ability to reason, understand, and solve complex math problems and, hopefully, find joy in mathematics as they become strong mathematicians.
Note: Be sure you check-in with your administrator and district to confirm that any new strategy is aligns with your district’s curriculum guidelines.
