Math Game Monday: Pattern Blocks Challenge

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This cooperative game fosters vocabulary and geometric visualization skills.

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!

Pattern Blocks Challenge

Math Concepts: geometric vocabulary, visualization.

Players: two or more (a cooperative game).

Equipment: pattern blocks.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Pattern Blocks Challenge

Thinking Thursday: Triangular Numbers

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: Triangular Numbers

Math Game Monday: Coordinate Gomoku

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This is a fun and challenging logic/strategy game for upper-elementary and middle school. One of my favorites!

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!

Coordinate Gomoku

Math Concepts: ordered pairs, coordinate graphing (four quadrants).

Players: two players or two teams.

Equipment: dotty or lined square grid paper, different colored pencils or markers.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Coordinate Gomoku

Thinking Thursday: Silly Definitions

Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

Writing to Learn Math: Writing helps students stretch their thinking and make sense of new ideas.

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: Silly Definitions

2026 Mathematics Game

2026 annual math game

Now that we’re a few months into the year, many of our New Near’s resolutions have probably fallen by the wayside. It’s inevitable, according to Mark Twain, that we shall “cast our reformation to the winds and go to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever.”

But there is one resolution that I enjoy keeping—the resolve to play more math.

My favorite way to celebrate at any time of the year is by playing the Year Game. It’s a prime opportunity for players of all ages to fulfill the two most popular resolutions: spending more time with family and friends, and getting more exercise.

So grab a partner, slip into your workout clothes, and pump up those mental muscles!

Continue reading 2026 Mathematics Game

Math Game Monday: Sim

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game challenges students to plan ahead and think strategically.

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!

Sim

Math Concepts: geometry, strategy.

Players: only two.

Equipment: colored pencils or markers, paper.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Sim

Thinking Thursday: Perimeter Puzzle 1

Thinking Thursday math journal prompt

Writing to Learn Math: At its heart, geometry is all about seeing connections and relationships.

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: Perimeter Puzzle 1

Math Game Monday: Concentration with Math Model Cards

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game lays a great foundation for your child’s understanding of multiplication and fractions.

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!

Concentration with Math Model Cards

Math Concepts: multiplication or fraction models, visual/spatial memory.

Players: any number.

Equipment: one deck of math model cards.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Concentration with Math Model Cards

Thinking Thursday: Leo Tolstoy

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: Leo Tolstoy

Math Game Monday: Dinosaur Race

Learn a new math game every week, for free

This game helps preschool children develop counting and number sense.

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!

Dinosaur Race

Math Concepts: number symbols, counting beyond ten, number line.

Players: any number.

Equipment: subitizing cards, number line racetrack, small plastic dinosaur or other toy for each player.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Dinosaur Race