What’s your favourite maths game?

I also use a number of games that were developed as part of the Maths300 resource by AAMT. It is rare that I recommend schools purchase subscriptions – but this is definitely one you should pay for. There are a few free tasks to trial on the Maths300 website if you are interested or you can access trainers such as @Fiona_Foley from MANSW who can lead professional learning on using the Maths300 tasks. Their classic game of Multo (a version of bingo) builds knowledge of multiples and the relationship between multiples (commutative property e.g. 2x 3 = 3 x 2).

From my time working for the NSW Department of Education, I also use a number of mathematics games using cards or dice the department developed as well as games created as part of the Count Me In Too Project that can be accessed via the Developing Efficient Numeracy Strategies DENS resource. Roll 5 dice is a simple game that assist students in developing a range of additive strategies, not just ‘start with the big number’ e.g. doubles, triples, near doubles, combinations to ten. The game can be extended so that students can take any of their numbers as a ‘tens’ to try and make their total closest to 100 in one turn.

I think I was also lucky enough to have a family who enjoyed (and had the time) to play games. At the time I didn’t really consider the mathematics behind most of them but they were powerful for building mental computation strategies, critical thinking and strategy. Even games such as Snap, Memory, Scrabble, Bingo, Connect 4, Checkers, Backgammon, Mahjong, and of course Yahtzee, have elements that require mathematical thinking.

One example card game from my childhood that I still love playing is Crib or Cribbage. Hearing someone at the end of their round scoring might sound like this “15-two, 15-four, 15-six, a pair’s eight and three is 11.” The game involves taking turns to play cards trying to get to 31 during the game, and making 15s, pairs, and runs after the game. The winner is first to 121 points. Scoring can also occur during the game, but without a full explanation you get the gist – there was lots of maths! You can read more about how to play here and the maths behind Crib here.

These principles provide guidance for how to select appropriate mathematical games for your students, or your children at home. In the words of Atari’s founder Nolan Bushnell:

Nrich also provide some wonderful games that are easy to play and develop mathematical thinking skills for example, Strike it out. The game has both a competitive and cooperative aim and focuses on addition and subtraction of numbers under 10 or 20. Nim is another classic game of strategy that requires mathematical and logical thinking, nrich’s Nim-7 version of the game uses 7 counters, each player takes turns taking away 2 counters, with the person who takes the last counter being the winner. The games on Nrich also provide solutions, helpful hints, teaching guides, and related games.

Another person who comes to mind when I think about maths games is Doug Clarke. Every time I see him present, he shares another great game or task. His games are easy to use, don’t generally require too many resources, and can be repeated. Repeatability in a game is essential for building mathematical conceptual knowledge and understanding over time. His article written with Anne Roche in 2010 on The power of a single game to address a range of important ideas in fraction learning supports repeated game play stating that:

There are also plenty of new games being developed by educators such as @mminas8 who is currently creating a new game a day and @ATMMathematics with their Math Snacks.

So what’s your favourite maths game? If you could just recommend one, what would it be? Either add your maths game suggestion in reply to this blog via Twitter, Facebook, or email. I’d love to compile a ‘best of’ list from your collective knowledge bank. I’ll then write my next blog highlighting some of the suggested games. So now, it’s over to you!