Educational games do so many positive things and teach children so many different skills and lessons, and there is no doubt that they are loads of fun for kids who may get easily bored.
Not only are educational games great for practicing language and motor skills, they’re great for building on other skills, too. For instance, math learning games can help to boost a child’s confidence and math-solving skills. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of math games, as well as some of our favorite educational math games.
Math games – great for parents, teachers, and kids
For teachers, math games can be another tool used in the classroom that enhances common core skills being taught as part of a lesson plan. Plus, the mere mention of the word “game” can put smiles on student faces as they anticipate a fun activity.
For parents homeschooling kids, you can find math games for parents that are simple for kids and adults to understand and use for learning enhancement. Having these games on hand may even cause a child to ask to play their favorite math game at any given time. It’s always great when kids show an interest in math without prodding.
What are the reasons that make math learning games worth the time and effort?
Here’s why educational math games are awesome
- Basic and Advanced Math Skills – Games with a math theme help children practice all the skills they’ve already learned – and stretch them to learn more!
- Reading Skills – Games with cards or directions offer another opportunity for children to read. Not only do children build up reading skills, they also see that reading is everywhere.
- How to Follow Directions – Children learn how to follow directions as they play games. Check to see if your kids truly understand the directions by asking them to explain how to play the game to other players.
- How to Cooperate – Games teach children to cooperate, especially games that are played in teams. Games also show and teach children about leading and following.
- How to Take Turns – Some children get anxious and want to keep taking turns. Making them wait their turn helps to teach patience!
- How to Win – Winning is awesome! Winning a game can teach a child to be humble. Kids may brag when they first start understanding the concept of win/lose, but they will soon learn social cues from the players who did not win.
- How to Lose – Everyone loses at some point! Younger children may take it hard until they get used to the fact that there are winners and losers. When your child loses, have meaningful discussions about how to win and lose gracefully.
- How to Detach from Technology – Games let children see that there are other fun options for entertainment aside from technology. Kids needs breaks from technology – if they are too used to constant entertainment and instant gratification, they will have a tougher time with various skills in life.
- Spending Time as a Family – There’s nothing better than spending time as a family. Moments playing games can be things that children remember for a lifetime. By building these memories, children will feel like they’re a part of something bigger!
Playing games can have so many positive effects and offer your children skills that last a lifetime! Try setting aside one night a week to play a family game. Don’t forget to take turns selecting the game!
Here are some great educational math games to play
Really Good Stuff offers a wide variety of curriculum games that are just as effective with at-home learning as they are in the classroom. All of our games are created by teachers, so you know they’re truly educational. Here are just a few of our great math games that are great to play as a family:
Rock, Paper, Scissors Math Game – Multiplication And Division, $13.99
Math Is Everywhere! Trail Game Primary, $29.99
Budget Your Money – Menu Game, $16.99
Baseball Addition And Subtraction Game, $22.99
Hot Dogs And Hamburgers! A Fractions Fast Food Trail Game, $29.99
As you can see, there are a wide variety of math games with themes that are fun for kids and adults. They help enhance what children are learning in their lessons, plus provide a fun activity for game night.
By Angela French
4/15/2020
Angela French is the Senior Product Development and Content Manager at Really Good Stuff. She has worked for the company for nearly seven years and has created hundreds of resources for the classroom. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Her classroom experiences include teaching grade levels K–5 and inclusion, special education, literacy intervention, and gifted and talented programs in three different states.