Addition Games
Addition games teach kids the relationships between numbers and the four mathematical concepts they should know: addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. Though often easy for kids to grasp, can you make learning addition any simpler? This article looks at how playing a wide range of interactive addition games helps young students.
What is the basic concept of addition?
Addition is the first mathematics skill kids learn in kindergarten. The math community represents it with a plus (+) sign, indicating the addition of two or more items or numbers to get a sum. For instance, by adding 7 and 2 (7+2), you get the sum of 9. This skill is the basic foundation for math and the next step after learning single-digit numbers. Addition’s most common uses are calculating money, time, or grocery bills. So when teaching kids this concept, take your time to ensure that the students understand the real-world applications because that’s one way to ensure they remember your lessons. Games are an alternative but practical approach to teaching addition, and the addition with regrouping game is one of the most popular ones.Addition math games and how to use them in teaching
Math games can be tricky for kids. At first, they may feel overwhelmed by the idea that two numbers can form another without deforming or changing shape. However, with math games, you can assist your students in grasping the concept of addition and the value of math symbols. Addition games should not be too easy, or your students will not miss out on building problem-solving skills early. However, the game should not be too difficult, or you could lose the kids’ interest and, at worst, encourage them to develop a resentment for math. Therefore, teachers should be creative enough to devise ways to make addition games enjoyable.Using addition games for kindergarten
When playing addition games kindergarten kids focus more on the fun aspect than the learning part of things. So for kids in kindergarten, try games that deal with single-digit numbers or a few objects of the same type to avoid confusing your class. Children’s attention spans are pretty short at this stage so teachers have to find the sweet spot where a game is challenging enough to be exciting but not too tough to be off-putting.Using addition games for 1st graders
Teachers should prepare a curriculum to help 1st-grade kids practice and learn quickly. Children at that stage are beginning to handle other math concepts like subtraction and counting. Therefore, their teachers need to use games that include sections or levels that mix addition with other simple math concepts.Using addition games for 2nd graders
Addition games for grade 2 kids are, by default, a little trickier than first-grade and kindergarten games. Second-graders need a lot of guidance and supervision when playing addition games because they may begin feeling bored with learning the same concepts they did in 1st grade and kindergarten. At this stage, parents and teachers should help kids master simple addition problems in anticipation of stricter challenges like fractions and multiplication.Using addition games for 3rd graders
By the 3rd grade, students should start using math games with timers to train their speed. The teachers will find those games online and test them before adding them to their teaching tools. Third-graders should have become quite familiar with addition and will need to test their ability to solve summation problems under pressure.Using addition games for 4th graders
As kids advance towards grade 5, introduce them to math games that gradually become more challenging. For instance, instead of finding the answer for 2+2, they should find solutions for two and three-digit addition problems, like 20+15, 21+32, and so on. You can also tie the outcome of their math games to real-world benefits like extra recess time, more toys, a fun trip to amusement parks, etc.Using addition games for 5th graders
Teachers should add competitive math games to the mix by the fifth grade to push kids to learn more. The teacher may divide the class into two groups and write down the answer to a task. Each group will then analyze the addition problem to determine if the teacher’s result is correct. This strategy improves children’s critical thinking skills and introduces them to reverse engineering.Are math addition games for kids suitable for learning math?
Parents need to introduce their kids to math from as early as two years old as it offers a good foundation for reasoning, thought, and estimation. There’s certainly no better way of learning mathematics than games because kids find them very engaging and fun. By playing games, kids can understand abstract concepts and remember them for a long time. Besides, math games can teach non-math skills like pattern recognition, hand-eye coordination, etc. Teachers can supervise the children while practicing math concepts by designing a creative game or downloading free online addition games with four to five-star reviews. Addition math games are practical tools to keep children productively busy during the holidays and breaks. When creating or introducing addition games to kids, it is essential to give them clear instructions or risk having students who don’t understand the exercise. Also, to ensure that math addition games yield positive results, choose games that you can customize to the kids’ preferences. Finally, be actively involved in the play to answer the children’s questions.Which skills can fun addition games improve?
Addition games aid children to be more thoughtful and intelligent. But those aren’t the only benefits to expect from introducing these games to your students. The following are other skills addition games improve:- Inquisitiveness
- Problem-solving skills
- Cognitive skills
- Math skills