Playing Games Helps Students Grasp Math
Games have become inseparable parts of the teaching syllabus and a growing body of research reveals that board games are useful to strengthen the mathematics skills of children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Education Week reports that the recent study published by a pair of scholars concludes that exposing youngsters from low-income backgrounds to a simple board game that involves counting produced large and lasting gains.
Classmates who played an identical game, except for the squares varying in color rather than number, did not improve on any measure. Also as predicted, home experience playing number board games correlated positively with numerical knowledge. Thus, playing number board games with children from low-income backgrounds may increase their numerical knowledge at the outset of school.
According to Shorelines.com, Jacksonville Beach Elementary school students, who shine in reading, math and science exams, are playing a lot of learning games in small groups at school.
Typically when teachers introduce a new concept, they begin with a mini lesson for the entire class. Based on tests, students are then divided into small groups of similar ability levels for lessons, worksheets and further learning. The groups are always changing, and to further reinforce what they have learned, students can choose activities including games, listed for them on a choice board after they have finished their work.
Photo: © radialmonster
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