Methods of Playing Math Games With Counters or Cards
Playing math games is motivating, creates a positive atmosphere in the classroom and develops mathematical thinking. Games using counters and cards are easy and cheap to prepare and can be used to consolidate learning.
-
"Last One Wins"
-
Students work in pairs in "Last one wins." This game involves working in pairs. Give each pair of players an odd number of colored counters in a pile. Players take turns to remove either one or two counters at a time. The player who removes the last counter wins. Students need to work out winning strategies by asking questions such as: "Does it make a difference who goes first?" "Is it better to remove one or two counters at a time?" Try again with a different number of counters to test which strategies help.
"Last One Loses"
-
Students work in pairs. They lay out counters in rows; three in the top row, then five underneath and them seven underneath that. You can increase the number of rows depending on the age and ability of the students. Players take turns to remove one or two counters at a time, the only rule being that they must only remove counters from one row at a time. The person who removes the last counter loses. This again develops students' strategic thinking. They also have to make quick mental calculations in order to ensure that they win. Repeat the game with a different number of counters.
-
Board Games With Counters
-
A game of checkers can help with math. Use board games to help younger and less able children with basic counting and addition. Develop number skills further through the use of questioning, for example: "What number do I need to roll with the dice to win?"; or, "How many more spaces do I need to move my counter to get to the end?" Board games can also be used to teach direction. Have children tell you during a game of "Snakes and Ladders" or checkers if their counter is moving to the left or right, up or down. Make this more challenging by introducing the directional terms north, south, east and west.
"Find The Answer"
-
Children play in groups of two or three. Prepare a list of questions related to a mathematical method; addition, subtraction, division or multiplication. Write the answers on blank cards. The difficulty of the questions will vary according to the ability of your students. Place the cards face down on the table. One player reads out the question and the others take turns to turn the cards over to find the answer. If they find the correct card they keep it. If they find the wrong answer they turn the card back over in the same place. The player with the most cards at the end is the winner. This develops students' mental math skills and can also help with memory as they need to try to remember where the correct card is. Children with dyslexia or dyscalculia will find it easier if you use colored cards or write the numbers in different colors.
Times Table Cards
-
Make up a pack of 10 or 12 cards for each of the times tables. On the front of each card write a question; for example if using the four-times table on the front write 1 X 4 and on the back write the answer, in this case 4. On the next card write 2 x 4 on the front and 8 on the back. Continue doing this up to 10 x 4 or 12 x 4 depending on how your school teaches the times tables. Once made, you can use these cards in many different ways. Work with a child on a one-to-one basis; have her hold the cards and read the question, then attempt the answer, turning the card over to check. You could also lay the cards on the table with the question side up and say an answer, for example "20"; the child has to decide which card on the table has the correct answer written on it, in this case the card with "5 x 4" written on it. Alternatively, lay the cards down the other way, with the answer side showing. Call out questions such as "4 x 4." The student needs to decide which card shows the right answer; in this case the card with "16" on it. Again, use colored cards to help dyslexic or dyscalculic students.
Shape Cards
-
Make up cards with different shapes on them according to the age and ability of your students. You could have a set of cards showing different types of triangles or different types of quadrilaterals, for example, or you could use simple shapes for younger children. These can be used for sorting by attributes (sides, angles, symmetry, parallel lines) which can be done independently, in pairs, in groups or be teacher-led. Play a guessing game using the process of elimination with students working in groups with one taking on the teacher role. The "teacher" picks a card and the other students ask questions requiring "yes" or "no" answers in order to be the first to identify the shape; for example, "Does it have any right angles?" or "Does it have three sides?" This game also develops correct mathematical language.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
