Activities – Page 2 – Denise Gaskins' Let's Play Math

Math Game Monday: Grid Fight

Posted on August 31, 2026July 30, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

This game uses the area model to visualize and build understanding of integer 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!

Grid Fight

Math Concepts: integer multiplication, area model for multiplication.

Players: two players or two teams.

Equipment: printed gameboard or square grid paper, playing cards, pencils or colored markers.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Grid Fight

Thinking Thursday: Sci-Fi Puzzle 2

Posted on August 27, 2026July 31, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: Problem-solving cares less about whether an answer is right and more about whether a solution makes sense.

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: Sci-Fi Puzzle 2

The Secret of the Pharaoh’s Treasure

Posted on August 26, 2026August 2, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

“I am inclined to believe that one of the origins of mathematics is man’s playful nature, and for this reason mathematics is not only a Science, but to at least the same extent also an Art.”

—Rózsa Péter

This week, we have the first mathematical adventure of Alexandria Jones, which takes place in the early days of her father’s archaeological expedition mentioned in the introduction post.

Herein we meet the one major character who is not named after a mathematician from history: Alex’s nemesis, Simon Skulk.

While my fiction doesn’t rise close to the level of “art,” I hope it offers a glimpse into the playful nature of mathematics for you and your children.

Continue reading The Secret of the Pharaoh’s Treasure

Math Game Monday: Digit Disguises

Posted on August 24, 2026July 30, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

This game requires students to make logical deductions about number relationships.

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!

Digit Disguises

Math Concepts: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebraic reasoning.

Players: two players or two teams. Best with teams.

Equipment: printed gameboards (optional), pencils and paper, or whiteboard and markers.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Digit Disguises

Thinking Thursday: John von Neumann

Posted on August 20, 2026July 31, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

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: John von Neumann

Math Game Monday: Walter Joris’s Sequencium

Posted on August 17, 2026July 30, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

This game takes strategic thinking and planning ahead, and it makes a great journaling prompt, too.

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!

Walter Joris’s Sequencium

Math Concepts: strategic thinking.

Players: two players or two teams.

Equipment: blank paper, colored pencils or markers.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Walter Joris’s Sequencium

Thinking Thursday: Counting Puzzles

Posted on August 13, 2026July 31, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: When students create their own math, they forge a personal connection to mathematical concepts and relationships. And it’s fun!

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: Counting Puzzles

Math Game Monday: Symmetry Challenge

Posted on August 10, 2026July 31, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

This game builds visual thinking 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!

Symmetry Challenge

Math Concepts: symmetry, geometry.

Players: only two.

Equipment: graph paper or blank hundred chart, colored pencils or markers.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Symmetry Challenge

Thinking Thursday: Words Help Us Think

Posted on August 6, 2026May 21, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

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: Words Help Us Think

Introduction to the Science of Counting

Posted on August 5, 2026June 28, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

One of my favorite rabbit-trails to explore in middle school math is the science of counting and probability.

It’s a great topic because the calculations are relatively easy, mostly multiplication and division. But there’s a lot of thinking that goes into figuring out just what calculations we need to do.

Counting is not only for little kids! It’s part of discrete mathematics, which means the study of things that are not continuous—things that come in discrete chunks—and it’s important in game design, computer programing, and cryptography.

This post is a section of my Prealgebra & Geometry Games book where my daughter and I explore the fundamental counting principle, the key to solving many counting and probability puzzles.

Continue reading Introduction to the Science of Counting