I am a big believer in creating a classroom environment that fosters a love for learning through hands-on experiences. This brings me to one of my favorite things…games! Using math games in my classroom is one of my favorite ways to get my students practicing, reviewing, and reinforcing math concepts. First graders are built to play. If you think about it, some first graders were entering school for the first time last year. Isn’t that crazy to think about it? So, it’s imperative to provide opportunities that engage my students in math games that encourage students to explore all different mathematical concepts. Not to mention the attention span of first graders isn’t the best, so using games is one way to keep them focused, especially at the beginning of the year. Games are a tool that effective instructional strategies in a way that is fun and engaging. Let’s face it, kids love games, so let’s use that to our advantage and help them develop a love for learning math.
Have you ever heard a student say, “I hate math” or “I can’t do it, I’m bad at math”? I have lost count of how many times this phrase has been used in my classroom. It truly breaks my heart when I see my students get down on themselves. Math can be challenging, and when a child doesn’t catch on immediately, they begin to feel defeated. Using games allows your students to practice concepts in a way that helps them build confidence. They become less fearful about making mistakes as they are exploring new strategies. So, when I am planning math lessons, I always add in a variety of games to help my students build up confidence as we introduce new material.
Using math games allows you to reinforce previously learned materials without your students staring at you with blank, bored faces. Kids do not mind repeating concepts that they have previously learned. This means they are playing the games repeatedly while strengthening their skills and creating a deeper understanding. And…it’s fun for them, which means they are engaged in the material. Here is a resource containing some of my favorite games to play with my first graders that keeps them engaged.
Allowing opportunities for mathematical games in your classrooms not only creates a deeper understanding of the math curriculum, but it’s also soooooo crucial for building relationships. I love using games that require partnering up or working in a small group. Students are taking turns, sharing, problem-solving, and improving their cooperation skills. Playing games is one of the key factors in teaching students the importance of learning how to win, lose, and how to play games with one another. As students get older, they will be required to participate in academics that involve group work, so we must begin encouraging cooperative learning at a young age.
My students get sucked into math games, and they love them! They are engaged, having fun, and honestly, you should hear the amount of math talk that I hear. In my classroom, this becomes an excellent time for me to walk around doing informal assessments. Mainly because using math games promotes math conversations and gives me a chance to hone into what challenges my students face or where they are excelling. Utilizing math games reinforces already learned topics and is repeated practice, allowing me to observe areas that I find my students may need extra help in. Plus, I can group my students and differentiate the games based on their levels. Remember, not all of your students have to be playing the same game at the same time. Check out this big bundle that makes it easy for you to use different games for your students.
As teachers, we have so much pressure placed on us every day regarding curriculum, testing, and making sure our students are where they should be. I think we so often forget that not every child learns the same. Teaching my students to support all types of learners is always at the forefront of my mind. It is really really important to me that I provide all of my students with opportunities that help them feel supported. I use different types of games because I have students who may be visual learners, but I also have kinesthetic learners that thrive with hands-on activities. Using games also helps support those auditory learners because they communicate about what they are playing, and communication is a key component of game playing.
Math games in the classroom are enjoyable, plain, and simple. They help break up the day and increase student engagement and motivation, all while fostering a deeper understanding of concepts. These are just some of the top reasons I choose to use games as a part of my teaching. When you incorporate classroom math games, you are helping your students develop strategic thinking and get excited about learning. Games are not taking the easy way out in teaching, and I know many teachers feel guilty when they use too many games in their classrooms. Let’s take the guilt out of using math games. They foster learning, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding. What is your favorite math game to use in the classroom?
Other resources to check out!
