Learn Math By Playing
Learning is not simply repeating from memory. The teaching of school subjects must be meaningful, so that it can be understood from the everyday. In the early school years, different methods are applied to learn mathematics by playing.
Whether with educational toys, applications or different recreational resources, the basic concepts of geometry, algebra and arithmetic are raising questions that children answer through play. Next, we will see some useful proposals to start at home.
When experience is transformed into knowledge, what has been learned will remain in memory without difficulty. With each proposal, children will engage creativity in problem solving and develop abstract thinking and logic.
In addition, learning mathematics by playing enhances the possibilities of the game itself, such as self-knowledge and the encounter with the environment from a critical point of view.
Learning math by playing, feeling, feeling: Numicom
It is a method that emerged at the University of Oxford that little by little begins to be used in schools in different countries. The Numicom uses specific materials designed so that they can interact with other elements.
What this resource allows is an early, didactic and experiential approach to numbers and their connections. To the very purpose of this method, ‘ingredients’ such as water, salt paste, sand and whatever the child uses most frequently in their games are added.
The Numicom is enhanced by the use and creativity of children. By exploring and investigating, they progressively form a visual image of the numbers.
In addition to learning mathematics while playing, this activity contributes to improve their communication strategies; one of the premises is to share with others the reflections of one’s own research.
Games for the house ideal for learning mathematics
Here are some good examples of games to learn math:
- Counting and Sorting Stacker : This wooden set offers 55 pieces of various shapes and colors. In addition, it includes numbered tiles to work the relationship of numbers and objects. It is more than suitable from the first years of life.
- Montessori stacker: a widely used proposal in Montessori schools are their famous stackers. Once the children are familiar with the 25 pieces of wood, the ideas will emerge on their own. This stimulates the recognition and association of figures, language and fine motor skills.
- Rulers: Made with a material as manipulable and pleasant as wood, they are a simple but useful resource for learning mathematics while playing. Sorting by colors and sizes makes it possible for children to experiment with them from an early age.
- Pattern and blocks: They introduce the concept of equality and difference, collaborate in the learning of geometric figures, work on symmetry and allow abstract ideas to be realized. In addition, they teach to carry out fractions, deductions and develop spatiality.
In addition, these resources for learning mathematics through play stimulate children’s fine motor skills and psychomotor work. These games can be used from the preschool level, and it is even convenient to have them on hand for a lifetime.
- Abacuses: A classic resource for learning to count natural numbers and perform number sequences. Color recognition and grouping is also encouraged; In addition, children acquire the rudiments of basic operations of addition, multiplication, division and subtraction. From the age of two, they can play.
- Numeric panel: Helps to consolidate the relationship between units and tens. They are ideal to have hanging on the wall. With some patience, parents or grandparents can make some of these educational games to learn math.
Apps to learn math by playing
Beyond the traditional options, the most advanced technology also offers us very interesting options:
- Math Cilenia: The little ones will develop their skills to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
- Fun Kids Online Math Games : This is an online game package with which children can solve problems of varying degrees of complexity.
- Math Evolve : It is a video game with aesthetics and dynamics close to children’s favorite games. Mathematical problems of varying complexity are posed and points are awarded for achieving the results.
In conclusion, the list of gifts for a child can be modified to promote their cognitive development. Toys are often bought on these opportunities that limit children’s creativity and reasoning.
The choice of elements that allow learning mathematics while playing is an excellent investment; Furthermore, and better yet, it is a great source of fun for many years to come.
