Primary schools Cape Town Tag

Last year, Riaan Vosloo, our high school art teacher, painted games on the corridors of the foundation phase building and on the playground. These games not only keep the students busy at playtime, but also give the teachers opportunity to use them, to reinforce maths concepts taught in the classroom.

Benefits of playing maths games:

1. Increase student engagement –

Maths games are an excellent and fun way for students to practice their maths skills. Although students are thinking, working and exploring concepts, the games increase their level of engagement by adding excitement to the learning process.

2. Reinforce learning –

As teachers we can reinforce the concepts learnt in class and give the students new and meaningful ways to practice.

3. Develop social skills –

Working with a partner or in a small group reinforces social skills such as taking turns, co-operation, communication skills and sportsmanship.

4. Provide opportunities to differentiate –

All students learn at different rates and in different ways and games provide ways to differentiate, so student’s individual needs are addressed.

5. Build student confidence –

When students are playing a game, they are less fearful of failure and work through mathematical challenges and this builds their confidence.

At home parents can play games that develop maths skills and at the same time enjoy family time together. While electronic games are fun, children do work in isolation. Pintrest is a great resource for finding games you can play at home with your children.

Ann Cordner
Year 1 Teacher