Play Games, Learn Math

• Published in: Teaching Young Children Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 9 - 13
• Main Authors: Reed, Kristen E, Young, Jessica Mercer
• Format: Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington National Association for the Education of Young Children 01.04.2019
• Subjects: Children & youth; Games; Mathematics education; Numbers; Preschool children; Preschool education
• ISSN: 1939-7283

Kellie, Holyoke, MA While playing number path games, children practice these early math concepts: * Recognizing written numerals as they move on the path * Reciting numbers in the correct order * Using one-to-one correspondence when moving on the board * Recognizing the number of dots in die patterns without counting the dots (subitizing) * Understanding number magnitude and that numbers come before or after other numbers * Using vocabulary such as closer, farther, more, less, before, after For these definitions of mathematics concepts and a summary of how children progress in developing them, see "Early Math Concepts Related to Numbers and Counting," at NAEYC.org/tyc/article/explore -numbers-counting-dot-card-finger-games. Many board games have mathematical elements-including counting, counting on, numeral recognition, logic, strategy, and classification-that are worthwhile and can extend children's learning in and out of school. Number Path Floor Game Focus on gaining familiarity with the number path, understanding that numbers come before or after other numbers, stable counting order, one-to-one correspondence, and counting on. Support children's language development by describing their moves on the board; for example, "You started at three, jumped forward two spaces, and landed on five." * When playing a tabletop number path game, have children roll their cubes in a tray or shoebox so they don't roll off the table. * At this age, children are just learning how to play games and practicing skills like taking turns, moving pieces, using dice, and counting out spaces.