Why Math Games?

Why Math Games?

In Alex Lawson’s book, What To Look For, a selection of math games are provided. The Guides to Effective Instruction also provide Math games.

The intent of math games is to help students to construct an understanding of the mathematical relationship among numbers. The Math Games allow students the opportunity to practice the strategies found on the Addition and Subtraction Continuum and the Multiplication and Division Continuum.

This active math experience will support students’ efficient and fluent recall of the facts which is foundational to their later success in mathematics in higher grades and with real-life applications.

Choosing Math Games: Being Intentional

Assign games for a specific purpose
• Develop a specific strategy
• Become proficient with a strategy
• Recall facts with automaticity

Be mindful of the student’s interest.  When students become bored with a game,
• Revise it to be more challenging
• Switch to a different game

Intentional Groupings
• Pair students who are learning a similar mathematical strategy and are working with the same numbers  (Allows for more math talk)
• Two player games can also be played by teams.  The discussion required “to make a move” promotes math thinking and reasoning

Make Math Games a valued part of the math learning
• Avoid using Math Games as “extras” or “time fillers”
• Use Math Games to promote effective and efficient use of a strategy
• Provide strategic practice time rather than “drills”
• Encourages engagement and community building

Teach the Games
• Model how the game is played “Teacher vs The Class”
• Play the games a few times where the cards can be seen so you can talk about the different strategic actions
• Play as teams first to encourage math talk and strategy talk
• Time to learn each game will vary

Observe and engage in conversations for assessment 
• Asking questions
• Challenge students to justify strategic actions
• Notice and name strategies students are using from the continua
• Encourage efficiency
All of these actions are providing students with “in the moment”,” just right” and “actionable feedback”.

Consolidating the learning after Math Games (Very Important!!)
• Have students describe and defend strategic moves
• Provide examples and counter examples to keep focused on the math thinking and learning
• Have students voice what is needed to be successful with the games
• Model successful strategies for all students to see and learn from

Multiple opportunities with Math Games is necessary for students to try out new strategies to become more accurate and efficient on their way to being proficient with number operations.

More information is available from Alex Lawson’s book What to Look For, Pages 153-154.