“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.”
-Diane Ackerman
Don’t you think playing games has always been fun? Most of us had little interest in anything else when we were kids and just wanted to play. Playing games has always been a significant part of childhood exploration and learning, whether it is done outside, at home, or in school. So the best way to learn would be to use what interests children the most to impart helpful knowledge, wouldn’t it? Children who play games are more likely to learn efficiently, retain lessons more effectively, and develop a more favorable attitude towards learning.2 This holds true for math learning as well.
Here are some reasons why games are one of the best ways to learn math.
Math games often include predetermined rules, objectives, and competition. These rules and goals are vital because they teach children precisely what they need to do. The best math games offer exactly the right amount of difficulty, and as they play, children must accept the challenge and choose and apply problem-solving methods effectively.
The math games you play with your child will help you understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Games can be a welcome respite from your child’s regular learning, and whether or not they win, playing math games can boost their confidence.1
Motivation
When it comes to learning math, children sometimes lack motivation, which can impact their performance.2 Playing math games increases overall motivation. Children are more motivated to learn, pay attention, and engage in group activities while playing games. Math games can encourage children to take ownership of their learning and work as a team. They are also an effective classroom management strategy for motivating children.2
Positivity
A math lesson incorporating games as a component of teaching and learning helps create a positive atmosphere by motivating children to participate and fosters a love of learning math. Children who play math games can develop pleasant memories and experiences of math learning.2
Attention
Children must pay close attention to details when playing math games. They must be alert and attentive when playing a game that uses numbers because these games can move quickly. Children can use the attentiveness they develop while playing math games to maintain their focus on other tasks and their education throughout their lives.
Memory Retention
Playing various math games that focus on particular concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can boost memory.6 Children must use their working memory to think quickly and recall critical details about the math concepts used while playing a game.
Instilling a Love of Math
Many children frequently mention how much they love having the chance to be active, outside, and learn all at once.3 Making math learning enjoyable is the key to making it effective. Additionally, it can be a lot of fun to play math games. The brain is stimulated by endorphins released from playing games, giving children a feeling of euphoria. Children experience great joy and excitement due to this euphoria, which can foster a positive learning environment and a passion for math. 4
According to a study, playing educational games can also help children improve their ability to think proportionally.5 Children are naturally exposed to practical math learning opportunities through playing math games. Through fun math games, you can encourage your child to see the beauty of learning math in a way they can understand, appreciate, and embrace. Math games come in a wide variety, and each one can provide children with practice in a variety of mathematical concepts.
In addition to learning math with games, there are various other ways to teach your child math more enjoyable. Visit BYJU’S FutureSchool blog to find out more.
References:
- How Games Can Help Kids Who Struggle With Math | Understood. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-games-can-help-kids-who-struggle-with-math
- (PDF) Effectiveness of using games in tertiary-level mathematics classrooms. (n.d.). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257570606_Effectiveness_of_using_games_in_tertiary-level_mathematics_classrooms
- 4 Reasons to Promote Math Success through Games. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/game-based-learning-tips-math
- Games and Your Brain: How to Use Gamification to Stop Procrastinating. (n.d.). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://buffer.com/resources/brain-playing-games-why-our-brains-are-so-attracted-to-playing-games-the-science-of-gamification/
- Vandercruysse, S., ter Vrugte, J., de Jong, T., Wouters, P., van Oostendorp, H., Verschaffel, L., Moeyaert, M., & Elen, J. (2016). The effectiveness of a math game: The impact of integrating conceptual clarification as support. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 21–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHB.2016.06.004
- The Importance of Playing Memory Games | Curious World. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2022, from https://www.curiousworld.com/blog/importance-playing-memory-games
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