KID SPECIAL GUIDE - Free math games for kids of
all ages
The mere mention of the word “mathematics“ is
enough to strike fear into the hearts of adults around the world. For thousands
of people, the thought of doing annual tax returns, applying for a mortgage, or
even just helping children with their homework can bring them out in an episode
of cold sweats and get them running for the nearest calculator.
Luckily their are phone apps to help adults
improve, but the longterm solution appears reasonably obvious; children need to
be engaged with maths from a young age, making use of tools, games, and apps
that make the process of learning arithmetic fun rather than an arduous task.
We look at some of the best games to help children learn mathematics in a fun
way.
FRACTION FLAGS
Ages 7-9
http:bit.ly1F6ITBQ Fractions can be a
fiendishly difficult aspect of maths they form a key part of basic algebra and
underpin a surprising number of real-world situations. Unfortunately, common
denominators, improper fractions, and repeating decimals have caused headaches
for schoolchildren since the dawn of time, but “Fraction Flags“ aims to change
that.
The beauty of the game is that it doesn't really
feel like you are working with fractions at all. It revolves around the concept
of designing flags with different percentages of colours, thus meaning that the
children can get lost in planning wild and wacky designs without being aware
that they are also learning.
UNDERWATER COUNTING
Ages 2-5
http:bit.ly1D00FHw This tablet-friendly
game is a simple as it sounds a way to help very young kids become
comfortable with using the numbers 1-10. It has two difficulty levels which can
be used to match the game to the child's existing ability, and it's designed to
help them both recognise and use numbers correctly.
The game is based around a treasure hunt; as the
children correctly answer questions an on-screen scuba diver becomes closer to
discovering the hidden gold. Children must answer ten questions correctly to
complete the game.
BBC SCHOOL RADIO MATHS
Ages 3-11
http:bbc.in198E4vJ The BBC has always
produced a wide range of high-quality learning materials across a broad
selection of topics for both adults and children their language learning
services are well-renowned. Their BBC School Radio series covers most subjects
that children encounter in primary school, but their maths series is
particularly well-produced.
There are four audio games available; “Counting
Songs“ (ages 3-5), “Numbertime“ (ages 5-7), “Megamaths“ (ages 7-9), and “Maths
Challenge“ (ages 9-11). Each has an emphasis on fun games and building
confidence rather than long, drawn-out lectures, and each episode rewards the
children with token achievements and plenty of praise.
WHO WANTS TO BE A MATHIONAIRE?
Ages 10+
http:bit.ly1E8FS24 Based on the popular
TV show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?“, the wittily named “Who Wants To Be A
Mathionaire?“ uses the same premise, with fifteen questions to move players
from nothing to a 1,000,000 jackpot.
Like the TV show, the game also features the
three “lifelines“ (phone-a-friend, 50:50, and ask the audience).
The questions are not too simple and also
include some useful maths-based trivia like “How many years are in a
millennium?“ and non-arithmetic based questions such as “What is the name for
the longest side of a right angled triangle?“ and “How many sides does a
decagon have?“.
TABLES SHOOTER
Ages 5-11 http:bit.ly1HudWXp What's 7×8? What
about 8×9?! Even as adults a lot of us struggle with quick-fire multiplication
sums. You can give your kids a head start by getting them to do mental
timestables from an early age.
Tables Shooter does exactly that. The premise of
the game is to “shoot“ the right answer by navigating and firing a World War II
Spitfire aircraft, and it is a fun distraction that can appeal to a wide age
group. Kids can practice their twoto ninetimes tables, but the game does not
allow for a mixing of different tables.
ONE STEP EQUATION
Ages 10-14
http:bit.ly1Ad3YVv Algebra might be a
child's biggest mathematical fear, but this basketball-themed game hopes to
make it more fun than simply staring at a blackboard all day.
The player has to answer an algebra question,
then they get a chance to make a basket. You can put your on screen basketball
star anywhere outside the three-point line, then use the cross hairs to try and
make the shot.
The best part about this game is that it
supports two players, so your kids can practice against their siblings, or you
can even get involved yourself to brush up on some of those long forgotten
equations!
Ages 8-12
http:bit.ly1F6JjIs The idea of this
game is to dress a figure up in any way the player chooses with clothes of a
partic ular value, therefore honing your child's basic addition and subtraction
skills (as well as their fashion sense!). The game has ten levels and gets more
complicated with each level, as the value gets higher and the range of clothes
available becomes greater.
Dan Price MM12MAR15
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