Math Game Monday: Twenty Questions

Posted on by Denise Gaskins
Learn a new game with Math Game Monday

This game is great for practicing math vocabulary and strategic thinking with upper-elementary and older students.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Twenty Questions

Math Concepts: number properties, logic, strategic thinking.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: None necessary. Optional: printed hundred chart and pencil for each player.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Twenty Questions

Thinking Thursday: Memory

Posted on by Denise Gaskins
Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

Writing to Learn Math: You can spark creative thought by removing any need to worry about spelling or punctuation rules.

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Memory

Math Game Monday: Domino Match

Posted on by Denise Gaskins
Learn a new game with Math Game Monday

Subitizing means recognizing how many items are in a set without having to count one-by-one. It’s a strong foundation for early number skills, and this game is a great way to practice it.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Domino Match

Math Concepts: counting to six, subitizing with dot patterns, visual memory, matching sets.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: one set of double-six dominoes, two six-sided dice.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Domino Match

Thinking Thursday: Ben Orlin’s Row Call

Posted on by Denise Gaskins
Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

Writing to Learn Math: Games are the ultimate re-playable activity prompts.

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Ben Orlin’s Row Call

The Pharaoh’s Treasure: Historical Puzzles

Posted on by Denise Gaskins
Eratosthenes teaching in Alexandria

When two non-mathematicians meet on the street and one says, “I’ve got problems,” the other answers, “I’m so sorry for you.”

    When two mathematicians meet and one says, “I’ve got problems,” the other says, “Oh, goody!”

    —Herta Taussig Freitag

    Whenever you get a group of mathematicians together, at least one of them will suggest a puzzle to play with. This is how mathematics grows, puzzle upon puzzle, generation after generation.

    And since human nature hasn’t changed, we know that the same thing happened in the ancient Ptolemaic Egyptian of Alexandria.

    So let’s explore a few of the math stumpers that enchanted those old Greek scholars…

    Continue reading The Pharaoh’s Treasure: Historical Puzzles

    Math Game Monday: Linear War

    Posted on by Denise Gaskins
    Learn a new game with Math Game Monday

    This game helps players grow comfortable with all the attributes of linear graphs.

    Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

    So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

    Linear War

    Math Concepts: coordinate graphing, linear equations, slope, intercepts.
    Players: two to four.
    Equipment: printed or homemade game cards, pencils or markers, ruler or other straightedge.

    Continue reading Math Game Monday: Linear War

    Thinking Thursday: Gian-Carlo Rota

    Posted on by Denise Gaskins
    Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

    Writing to Learn Math: What did the author mean? Put the thought in your own words. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

    Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

    Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

    Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Gian-Carlo Rota

    Math Game Monday: How Close to 100?

    Posted on by Denise Gaskins
    Learn a new game with Math Game Monday

    This game reinforces the most important model for understanding numerical and algebraic multiplication.

    Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

    So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

    How Close to 100?

    Math Concepts: area model for multiplication.

    Players: two or three.

    Equipment: blank hundred chart or graph paper, two six-sided dice, pencil or marker.

    Continue reading Math Game Monday: How Close to 100?

    Thinking Thursday: Make a Million

    Posted on by Denise Gaskins
    Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

    Writing to Learn Math: Number play doesn’t have to follow school math methods.

    Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

    Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

    Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Make a Million

    Math Game Monday: Push the Penny

    Posted on by Denise Gaskins
    Learn a new game with Math Game Monday

    This game offers young children a chance to practice counting and early addition skills while racing to beat their parents.

    Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

    So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

    Push the Penny

    Math Concepts: addition to one hundred, thinking ahead.

    Players: two or more.

    Equipment: playing cards (remove face cards and jokers), a hundred chart, and a penny or other small token.

    Continue reading Math Game Monday: Push the Penny