Article Related to Standard: Look for an Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning

Why Play Math Games? 

http://www.nctm.org/Publications/Teaching-Children-Mathematics/Blog/Why-Play-Math-Games_/ 

Summary and Examples: 

- Games helps students develop reasoning and and understanding 

- They create engaged learners in a positive learning environment

- Allows for the students to explore other math patterns, values and concepts 

- Guide students towards computational fluency 

- Games support a School-to-Home connection. The parents can play the games at home with their child to help improve the child's skills. 

- Group games can allow for the teacher to walk around and observe the students' methods and reasoning. She can take note of each student's progress and ability level. 

- Fluency requires a balance and connection between conceptual understanding and computational proficiency. 

- Drilling students with tests and worksheet all the time will not allow them to learn the skills as well as using a math game. 

- However games without efficient strategies being used are useless and should not be used in the classroom. 

- Be cautious of games that would cause the students to memorize the answers and not develop skills and concepts. 

- After playing the game have the students complete/do some sort of reflection.