Article Contributed on: 10/20/2009 9:56:29 PM
This is such a cozy time to, dust off those old favorite family board games, cards and dice. Sit around a table with the TV off, don't answer the phone. You are helping your child with his/her math; it's all in the game!
Parents who want to help their young children become proficient in math might want to schedule family game nights on a regular basis.
Last August American Psychological Association found playing linear number board games enhance numerical knowledge and ability to acquire new numerical knowledge. Children's knowledge grew larger when the game was played with a linear board verses a circular board because of mental representation.
Having a solid understanding of numbers prepares your child for success in mathematics courses throughout his or her education.
When you first play a board game with your child you will notice they need help counting the little black dots on the dice, eventually they see five dots and know that is stands for the quantity five. At first when they roll dice and come up with one a five and the other a three; your young child will move five spaces then three, with more practice they will add the two dice and then move eight spaces one...at...a... time. With a little time and number sophistication soon your child is able to roll a five and a three, glance once, know it's an eight and move eight spaces in one jump. Their mind can see, understand and react to a number. All it takes is a favorite board game and a little time and practice.
Replace the dice in their board games as children get older, especially for games that use two dice. Most games come with a die that uses dots that indicate a number from 1 to 6. Many game stores sell replacement dice that have numbers instead; rather than counting the number of dots, children then have to add the numbers together! It's not a bad idea to brainstorm for fun activities that practice basic academic skills.
If Math Enrichment is what your child needs then look for games that has your family use skills to solve problems Keep Reading at: Improve Math Skills with Games
Keep Reading at: http://www.examiner.com/x-2016-Parenting--Education-Examiner~y2009m10d20-Improve-Math-Skills-with-Games#