Learning Math involves strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a type of problem solving, which is the most important skill for children to be developed. Every single day we have to find solutions to problems. Dealing with problem is an essential skill in our work, home and social life. This is why Math has been said an important subject which will be utilized in every corner of everyone's life.
Math should be a fun subject, not a stressful subject. When teaching Math to young kids, you have to give them simple and interesting exercises or games. Here are 2 Math games ideas for young kids using strategic thinking.
1 - Sprouts Game
This is an easy but challenging game for 2 person.
Playing Method:
- Draw 3 random dots on a sheet of paper.
- Each person takes turns at drawing a curved line to connect 2 dots then placing another dot somewhere along the line.
- Each player cannot cross another line. Each dot only can have a maximum of 3 lines leaving it.
- The last player who manages to make a join is the winner.
2 - Corners Game
This is a tricky strategic game which also needs two person. It is easy to understand and quick to play and according my experience most children enjoy playing over and over again.
Playing Method:
- Draw a 15 by 15 grid. Both players uses a different colored pen.
- Each player begins in contrary corners.
- Players take turns at coloring a block of 2 squares that are joined by a side.
- Every block that is colored after the first one must join to one of the other colored blocks that has been colored by that player, but only at the corner.
- A player can not have 2 of their colored blocks joined along a side.
- When a player is unable to color a block of 2 squares, he is out and the other player is the winner.
These games are often played in various ways and in various situations. Here are some ideas to make some varieties to these games.
- Play on a whiteboard or blackboard.
- For Sprouts game, play on the computer by drawing a table in a Microsoft Word doc for Corners or by drawing dots and lines. This will also get the kids to get used with computer, thus develop their computer skill.
- Play in the classroom on the board with one side of the room challenging the other side. In the classroom, create a match by pairing students off to play against each other. Winners of each game will play again in the next round and then proceed until a class winner is found.
