Home Maths Activities (And 5 Fun Maths Games)

What is the Importance of Honing Math Skills at Home?

Engaging in math games at home has significant importance for several reasons. It offers children the opportunity to:

1. Cultivate a passion for math

When children genuinely enjoy playing math games, they become more active in practising their math skills and exploring and learning more about mathematics.

This can lead to a lifelong appreciation for the subject, benefiting them academically and professionally.

2. Enhance math skills

By participating in math games, children can practice and develop their math skills while also acquiring new ones. They can learn subtraction, addition, and multiplication, and learn how to use maths in their daily lives.

This practice contributes to improved academic performance and lays a foundation for success in future endeavors.

3. Foster problem-solving skills

Many math games involve problem-solving components, which encourage children to think critically and approach challenges in a systematic manner.

Playing maths at home nurtures the development of their problem solving skills that are applicable beyond the simple game.

4. Promote collaboration

Certain math games are designed for multiplayer engagement, encouraging children to work together with others.

Through these cooperative experiences, children can develop essential social skills and learn the value of collaboration and teamwork.

5. Enjoyment and fun

Math games can be an enjoyable pastime for children.

By incorporating an element of fun, these games help children perceive mathematics as a positive and pleasurable experience, dispelling any negative associations they may have.

Top 5 Mathematical Activities

1. Multiplication Bingo

The aim of the game is to have a fun and engaging way to reinforce multiplication skills. Here’s how you can play:

You need:

Bingo card printouts

Playing instructions:

Step 1:  Prepare the bingo cards: Create or print out bingo cards with a grid of numbers, each representing a multiplication fact. For example, you can have a 5×5 grid with numbers ranging from 1 to 25, where each number is a different multiplication fact (e.g., 3×4, 7×2, etc.). Ensure that each card has a unique arrangement of numbers.

Step 2: Distribute the bingo cards: Give each player a bingo card and provide them with a pen or marker to mark the numbers.

Step 3:  Call out multiplication facts: Designate one person as the caller. The caller will randomly select multiplication facts (e.g., 6×7, 2×9) and call them out one at a time.

Step 4:  Mark the called multiplication facts: As the multiplication facts are called out, players check their bingo cards to see if they have the corresponding product. If they have the product on their card, they mark it off with their pen or marker.

Step 5: Achieve a bingo: The game continues until one player achieves a specific pattern on their card, such as a straight line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. They must call out “Bingo!” to indicate their win.

Step 6: Verify the win: Once a player claims a bingo, the caller checks their card to ensure that they correctly marked the called multiplication facts. If the card is correct, that player is declared the winner. If there is a mistake, the game continues until a valid bingo is achieved.

Step 7:  Play again: If desired, you can play multiple rounds, redistributing the bingo cards and continuing with a new set of multiplication facts.

Remember, Multiplication Bingo not only reinforces multiplication skills but also adds an element of excitement and competition to the learning process.

2. Math Bang Bang

You need:

Two enthusiastic participants who enjoy math!

Playing instructions:

Step 1: The two players stand back to back, resembling a cowboy shootout stance.

Step 2: A math question is announced, for example, “What is the product of 7 multiplied by 6?”

Step 3: Both players quickly turn around, face each other, and simultaneously shout “bang bang” while providing the correct answer.

Step 4: The player who turns, shouts, and answers the correct number first wins the round.

Step 5: Repeat the process, asking new math questions, until the children reach the target number predetermined at the beginning of the game, is reached. The player who reaches that point threshold becomes the overall winner.

3. Shopkeeper

You need:

Two or more players who enjoy math!

Playing instructions:

Step 1: Gather a variety of items from around your house and arrange them on a table. Use sticky notes to price each item, using whole numbers (like £5) for younger children and more varied prices (such as £2.25, £2.45, and £2.99) for older learners.

Step 2: Now, it’s time to open your own shop! Players take it in turns to play the roles of shopkeeper and customer. Use pretend money (or real coins and notes if you’re feeling adventurous) to buy and sell different items.

Step 3: Encourage your child to explore their purchases and ask your child questions about what they are buying or selling during the game and record the number on a sheet of paper. For instance:

– How much will it cost to buy two apples and an oven mitt?

– Can you afford to purchase three pens with the change you have left?

– How much change do you need to give me if I give you a £5 note?

Step 4: After your child has had the opportunity to buy and sell various goods, you can add an extra twist to the game by having a sale. Mark some items as “50% off,” “25% off,” or “buy one get one free.” Encourage your child to calculate the new prices as they continue shopping.

4. Maths Problem Scavenger Hunt

You need:

– A dash of creativity

– Access to a garden or a home filled with objects that can be measured

Playing instructions:

Step 1: Provide children with a grid or card displaying pre-determined weights and lengths. Challenge them to find items in the garden or house that approximate those measurements. For instance, they might search for something around 10cm long or an object weighing approximately 300g.

Step 2: Have your child collect all the items they believe match the weights and lengths indicated on the card. To evaluate their accuracy, use kitchen scales to measure the weight of the objects and a tape measure to check their length.

5. The Yes or No Game

You need:

A set of cards or pieces of paper

Playing instructions:

Step 1: Both players select a card and place it on their forehead without looking at it. The card could feature a number, a shape, or any other relevant information.

Step 2: The first player begins by asking a question that can only be answered with a “yes” or “no.” For example, they might ask, “Am I an odd number?” or “Do I have four sides?”

Step 3: The questioning player continues asking questions until they guess the correct answer or until they run out of allotted turns (you can determine the number of turns at the start of the game). Afterward, it’s the other player’s turn to play.

Here Are A Few Tips For Teaching Your Child Math

• Begin early. Mathematics is a skill that lasts a lifetime, so it’s crucial to start teaching your child math from an early age.

• Incorporate fun into learning. Children are more receptive to learning when they are enjoying themselves. Look for math activities to try that are engaging and entertaining. Primary school children and older children all have fun with maths if they are presented in a fun way.

• Practice patience. Acquiring math proficiency requires time and practice. No matter how long it takes, be patient with your child since learning and understanding can be facilitated in lots of ways. If a child has difficulty grasping the activities, talk to your child, get the answer, and start from there.

• Acknowledge your child’s efforts. When your child excels in math, provide positive reinforcement and praise for their hard work. This boosts their self-confidence and motivates them to continue striving.

Summary

In general, the practice of math and the acquisition of mathematical knowledge is a vital aspect of a child’s development.

It is a skill that holds lifelong advantages, regardless of one’s chosen profession.

To summarize, engaging in math games and educational games at home not only facilitates the development of mathematical skills but also cultivates a genuine appreciation for the subject, strengthens problem-solving capabilities, encourages collaboration, and fosters a positive attitude toward mathematics.

FAQs

How can I make math fun at home? Get your child to see how math is used in the real world by pointing out examples in their everyday lives. Be positive and encouraging. The most important thing is to make math fun. If your children are having fun, they will be more likely to want to learn.

How can I help my child with math? Help your child by integrating discussions about basic math concepts into your daily activities. Keep a variety of math-related materials readily available e.g. snakes and ladders, board games, number cards, flash cards, a deck of cards, dice, blocks, puzzles, and measuring cups. This accessibility encourages your children to independently engage with math and enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts. This is also a good way to let them learn about fractions and try different ways of incorporating fun with learning.

What activities promote math learning? It’s important to keep in mind that everyone learns differently. Some kids could learn best by listening to lectures, while others may learn best by doing hands-on activities. By making real-world connections, using technology, and providing positive reinforcement while playing games and activities for kids, you can kick-start your child’s interest in learning math.