Using math games is one of several effective strategies used in the Washinton, D.C. schools’ mathematics curriculum where dramatic improvement has been seen in mathematics achievement in standardized tests. From 2005 to 2009, D.C. public schools increased NAEP scores in math by 4.5 times the national average for fourth graders.
“Since 2005, the D.C. public schools have used McGraw-Hill’s Everyday Mathematics, a structured, rigorous and research-based Pre-K–6 curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project that helps students learn mathematical reasoning and develop strong math skills. The program’s hands-on approach, which focuses on using a student’s own experiences, real-life examples and games, teaches basic skills as well as conceptual thinking. It is the nation’s most popular elementary math program, used by more than 4 million students nationwide.”
Games can be easily linked to any mathematics textbook.
No matter which textbook your district uses, games can easily be incorporated into instruction. As you see with Everyday Mathematics, some textbook companies are “seeing the light” and have begun to implement games as a part of each unit.
Even if your textbook does not incorporate games, identify a skills need almost all your students have, and give a game a try. I guarantee it will be more of a learning experience for the students and more informative to you of what your students know and can do than a workbook page.
