It's no secret that Kiddo loves his mathematics. One year he even included math problems on a Mother's Day card for me. A friend of mine asked me about math games for kids so I thought I post about it here, too.
I'll just have to get over my neuroses that I'll end up sounding like one of those annoying "Buy stuff!" blogs.
Double Shutter
. I mentioned this game before as a good toddler distraction, but Kiddo and I really love playing it. It's an excellent way of learning how different combinations of numbers can be added to produce the same sum. It also teaches logical and strategic thinking. I appreciate that the rules can be easily altered for younger players.
miQube
. This is still a little challenging for Kiddo, but we use the game set very loosely and he is starting to grow into it. It's several games in one so there are different ways to play.
Your basic Dominoes. There are lots of fancy kid dominoes out there, but why not just stick with the ol' tried and true. I do admit, that we also have a color version
.
Rush Hour
. While this game doesn't use numbers per se, it is absolutely terrific for developing a sense of spatial relations and logical thinking. Kiddo LOVES it. For younger kids, there is a Rush Hour, Jr.
version and the same company makes a number of similar logic games if your child is not as mesmerized by vehicles as mine is. When friends ask me for game recommendations, this is my default suggestion (I said that yesterday, didn't I?). It's also a good birthday present.
Don't overlook a simple pair of dice
, a pencil and paper. It's amazing the games your child can invent with just these materials. The benefits of inventing games can not be overstated. If you want to get fancy, these dice
look fun!So there you have it, just a few of the math games we play around here. (Although, there are even more I haven't mentioned!) Did I sound like an advertisement or a product blogger?
What are your favorite math games?
What's the difference between Rush Hour and Rush Hour Jr. Are the cards just easier with the Jr. version, or are the pieces different also?
ReplyDeleteGreat recommendations. We got Math Dice lately, and daughter loves it, except it's kind of too easy for her. I have to look up game variations for that. She likes to play Rush Hour on my iPod, but gets easily frustrated if she can't figure out how to solve it. Shapes Up is pretty cool too, and I love Magna Tiles for very many reasons. Best investment we ever made into a toy!
ReplyDeleteWe use the iPad app for rush hour all the time. A great way to get in some logic in the car or in waiting room :)
ReplyDelete