At home or in the classroom, online math games make a big
difference to the way kids learn mathematics. Math whizzes and struggling
learners alike are only too eager to get their turn at the computer, and readily
spend hours answering questions on multiplication, fractions, algebra and more.
Whether you’ve seen this phenomenon yourself or you’re still not convinced
about the effectiveness of using math games for kids, you’re probably wondering
how these games can make such a difference when teaching mathematics. Here are
some of the main reasons math games for kids
are so effective.
Motivation – When
in the classroom, even the best of teachers cannot hold a child’s attention for
much longer than an hour. Fun math games
for kids can keep children playing and working on their math for hours at a
stretch. This is because games use rewards like points, levels and badges to
keep their players motivated and to encourage them to work harder and aim for
higher goals. This type of positive reinforcement is enough to keep children
going even when they make mistakes or encounter difficulties along the way.
Constant practice
– Math games for kids are designed
to repeat the same type of math questions until they sense that the player is
able to answer them correctly. This way, kids keep practicing the same
mathematical concepts and procedures until they are able to complete them with
ease. This type of repetitive practice plays a key role in mastering math facts
and procedures.
Immediate feedback
– Immediate constructive feedback is another key aspect of math games for kids that
contributes to their effectiveness in teaching math. When feedback is provided
immediately, it serves as positive reinforcement for kids doing well and a
corrective element for kids who need to alter their approach.
Relevance – For
many kids, working with numbers does not hold much meaning for them. Students
often wonder how math is important in the real world when they are never
expected to solve numerical equations in their daily lives. Math games for kids highlight the
relevance of mathematics by creating meaningful situations for the application
of math skills. Virtual situations like buying groceries, measuring ingredients
or running a business provides a context and relevance for the math problems.
Customization – Math
games for kids provide a customized experience for every player. The complexity
of the math
problems is adjusted according to the skill and abilities of the player.
This creates a personalized learning experience that keeps quick learners from
getting bored and slow learners from giving up.
Engagement – Just
like any other online game, kids’ math
games are designed to engage the player and keep them coming back for more.
Kids get engrossed with their progress and performance in the game and they are
eager to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the game, whether those
skills are game-related or math-related.
Positive attitude
– One of the biggest challenges a math teacher faces is to get the students to
like the subject. Math games for kids achieve this effortlessly by removing the
fear of failure and building self concept through the positive reinforcement
and reward system in the game. This creates a positive attitude towards math
that is essential in performing well.
