The Principles Behind Using Printable Math Games to Make Math More Fun

There are many times parents and teachers alike will steer away from using games in the classroom as they get it into their heads that the need to teach not play games. Printable math games that are geared directly to the math concept being taught can actually enhance the whole learning atmosphere by providing motivation for the students, and avoiding the negative stigma to math by making math more fun. Incorporating these games into the lesson, and treating is as part of the lesson takes that wasting time with a game stigma away.

Here are Four Basic Principles of making math more fun with printable math games

Reinforcement of Skills

Consistent drill repeatedly over a numbered of days or even weeks is the best way for facts to be memorized and concepts learned. Playing a game provided more drill opportunities than flash cards alone. When playing a game, the same fact can be seen twenty times and the student will not bat an eye as they are focused on the game. Just try showing them the same flash card twenty times and see the reaction.

Forces the Use of Pencil and Paper

The digital world has forced educators to frequently abandon pencil and paper for online activities. This is what the kids expect. Printable math games force the children to use the pencil and paper when doing activities. Pencil and paper is a powerful reinforcement tool, your brain remembers what you write longer than what you type.

Cost Effectiveness

Having printable games and activities on your server, that can be printed out whenever you want and what quantity you need it much cheaper than buying workbooks. Many of these kinds of games can be adapted and reused for a variety of concepts. A board game for example can be played over and over again using different cards to pick up before rolling the dice thus helping to not only make math more fun, but build a health attitude towards math as well.

Positive Attitude=Positive Learning Environment

People of all ages respond better when they are having a good time. Having fun activities to do individual, in small groups or as a whole class contributes to a positive math learning environment. The students are going to want to come to class, or want to do their homework because they know there will be some elements to the lessons that are fun

Creating a math classroom whose lessons include a combination of traditional drill, board work, text book work, hands on manipulatives, challenging pencil and paper puzzles, riddles, and cards and board games will keep the math class interactive and overall just plain make math more fun. Imagine the fun a family will have when the homework assignment is to play a card game!