The research about how students develop fact mastery indicates that drill techniques and timed tests do not have the power that mathematical games and other experiences have. Games provide opportunity for meaningful practice. 35).ĭeveloping computational fluency is an expectation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Conceptual understanding without fluency can inhibit the problem-solving process (NCTM 2000, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, p. Computational methods that are over-practiced without understanding are forgotten or remembered incorrectly.

65 of the downloadablePDF.įluency requires a balance and connection between conceptual understanding and computational proficiency. Parents can learn about their children’s mathematical thinking by playing games with them at home. Games support a school-to-home connection.Games have the potential to allow students to develop familiarity with the number system and with “benchmark numbers” (such as 10s, 100s, and 1000s) and engage in computation practice, building a deeper understanding of operations.Teachers can then observe or assess students and work with individuals or small groups of students. Games present opportunities for practice, often without the need for teachers to provide the problems.When played repeatedly, games support students’ development of computational fluency.Playing games encourages strategic mathematical thinking as students find different strategies for solving problems and deepen their understanding of numbers.Games are an important tool for learning in elementary school mathematics classrooms: Teachers should provide repeated opportunities for students to play games, then let the mathematical ideas emerge as students notice new patterns, relationships, and strategies. Further, they afford opportunities for students to deepen their mathematical understanding and reasoning. Engaging mathematical games can also encourage students to explore number combinations, place value, patterns, and other important mathematical concepts. Games give students opportunities to explore fundamental number concepts, such as the counting sequence, one-to-one correspondence, and computation strategies. People of all ages love to play games that are fun and motivating. Read this article from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics People ask us why we play math games at a Math Learning Center.

Math practice games