Technology has enabled us to infuse different ideas into educational processes to make studying seamless and more effective. One of the tech practices that has made teaching easy over the years is math games. For a while, teaching seemed more like teachers talking at students and students trying to grab what they could. Since the introduction of math games for kids, learning has changed and become more student-oriented.
For many kids, 3rd grade math help in any form should be encouraged, which is why math games are essential. Here are ten benefits of using math games with kids:
They make learning more interesting
Math games come with colors, sounds, and objects that take away the drag that kids might encounter when dealing with numbers all day. When kids take on a math game, they begin to see math problems in a different light, which makes it easier for them to study because they enjoy the process. You want kids to be engrossed in learning math so they can understand it, and using math games makes that possible.
They are student-oriented
Many learning materials and teaching methods are not student-oriented, which means students are not entirely involved in their learning process. According to the student-oriented learning approach, kids can explore solutions independently rather than regurgitate what the teacher gave them. Math games are student-oriented; kids have to learn how to get past a difficulty level on their own so they can move to the next stage. Many of these math games are timed, so kids have a short time to think of multiple solutions to a problem while analytically dissecting the situation.
They help students find different ways to solve a math problem
When a child faces a math problem in a math game, they often realize that there is no single way to solve it. Sometimes, what they learn in class does not work or is a slow process to get through on time, so they invent their solutions. 2+2+2+2+2 will give you 10, but so will 2×5.
They make it easier for kids to remember math concepts
Math games are repetitive, and many math games for kids are attached to a single concept. For example, there are numerous counting games, each with its own peculiarities, but they all teach the same thing – counting. Children who play math games attached to single concepts learn that skill repeatedly. After so many repetitions across game simulations, they remember more about that math problem than they would have by just studying them in class.
They help improve the conversations around math
Kids should be able to talk about math with their peers and know the terminologies involved, and math games can make this happen. For example, there are leaderboards in some math games, and every kid who attains a new high score gets to the top of the leaderboard.
In class, kids can meet their peers, discuss the game, and share how each of them attained the answers to the math problems they encountered. The kids at the top of the leaderboard can talk about the formulas they used to get their high scores and share them with their classmates. Math conversations among students are another way to improve peer-peer learning, which is very effective.
They help kids get through speed tests faster
In standardized state tests and competitions, kids must get through math problems quickly to find an answer in record time to beat the opponents. Math games are a great way to prepare your kids for these math competitions because some come with a timer. Your kids can practice repeatedly using different timed math games across as many concepts as possible. Math games can supplement tutor-to-student learning systems as they show that your kids understand what they are learning.
They decomplexify math concepts
If kids learn that bursting ten out of twenty balloons on the screen leaves only ten balloons flying, they will get through the 20-10 math problem with fewer challenges. One of the reasons people shy away from math is that it comes across as complex. With math games, kids will begin to see numbers in objects, colors, and shapes in real-life objects. With more relatable and fun ideas in the mix, the fear of math dissipates into thin air.
They help kids work at their own pace/skill level
In a class with over 15 students, it will be hard to ensure that a kid is learning well because they will work at their own pace, and sometimes, it is not the pace of others. Teachers do not have the time to go from kid to kid and ensure that they all work at the same rate. With math games, kids can learn, grow, and catch up to the other kids at their own pace, which is good.
They create healthy competition amongst kids and internally
Every kid wants to beat the high score they created to stay on top, and other times, they want to make it to the leaderboard. There are many ways kids could get into different competitions online. Would you not prefer that your kid compete in math games on Brighterly.com? In the process of beating their personal best score, they find themselves winning against other kids in the same game.
They make learning math easier in the future for kids
A time will come when kids will no longer need math games, especially in high school, but at that point, your kids will have built a strong foundation that will help them succeed as they go on. Math games help kids build a strong background of math concepts, and frequently, people do not know this until their kids grow and excel in math.
Conclusion
Every parent wants their kid to be good at math, and right now, the easiest way for parents to ensure this is possible is by introducing math games when kids are young. Math games change the trajectory of learning for kids in an upward position. These are just ten benefits, and there are a lot more.