Games for Math: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Learn Math, From Kindergarten to Third Grade

by Peggy Kaye

At a time when the poor math performance of American school children has labeled us a "nation of underachievers," what can parents--often themselves daunted by the mysteries of mathematics--do to help their children? In Games for Math, Peggy Kaye--teacher extraordinaire and author of the highly praised Games for Reading --gives parents more than fifty marvelous and effective ways to help their children learn math by doing just what kids love best: playing games.

Genres: Mathematics, Education, Nonfiction, Reference, Parenting

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 1988

About the author

Peggy Kaye has a master's degree in early childhood education from Columbia University's Teacher's College, and has taught in both public and private elementary schools in New York City.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource for teaching math to your kids. It's given me all sorts of ideas for reinforcing and introducing math concepts in fun ways. We've used many of the games so far, and the set up is usually just a few minutes. I bought my own copy and refer to it often.

[Dietmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE all Peggy Kaye's stuff. If your child needs more math practice--but tired of all the drills--these are fun easy-to-play, requiring mostly just your time. It sure makes learning a bonding time and not nearly as frustrating on both ends!!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas for making math fun. My daughter and I enjoyed Pyramid Solitaire.

[Beatrix Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and effective games for teaching math to K-3 kids.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative and inexpensive ways to play with math

The book is progressive, leading the educator/parent from 1st thru 3rd grade math games, so that if a children has difficulty with one, it is easy to drop down to games that review earlier skills. The book reviews children's abilities per their age/grade and explains why the games are pertinent to specific grades. I liked that the book encourages selecting the games that are of interest to the child and drop games that bore a kid, with the acknowledgement that there are different games to teach the same math lessons, so find the way that appeals to your kid. Suggestions on how to differentiate the games as the child masters easier versions helps keep earlier games in rotation for longer. Parents and tutors learn to be better teachers through suggestions to lead kids through the games by think aloud coaching, because the idea isn't for the adult to beat the kids at the games, but rather to teach the kid to learn how to use math to win the game. I loved the section on strategy games that teach orderly thinking, not just math facts as I believe teaching *how* to think is just as important as teaching the math facts.

While the chapters are roughly organized by both suggested grade level and progression of math skills, the appendix goes into more detail as to which games are appropriate for specific grades.

All in all, a very handy book, especially for tutors who work with kids at multiple math levels.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I taught elementary school, my colleagues and I were always looking for fun ways to introduce numerical concepts and math skills to our students, and fun games disguised as "learning" were the perfect way to do that! This book is slightly dated, and I wish it had more illustrations/visuals as it tends to be heavy on text, but it was still easy to understand and seemed to be self-explanatory. There is a great variety of different games for K-3 that helps kids not only master math skills, but it helps them enjoy learning! I do wish they offered more for older kids/grade levels. It's the perfect resource for parents to help their kids at home as well! This gets my teacher's stamp of approval!

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I shelved this abandoned because I didn’t read through the whole thing. However, what I did read of it was eye-opening. The author talks about how kids learn and points out how amazing it is just to be able to understand what numbers are and how they relate to each other.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a child that has difficulty in math and cannot stand to do activities that they think is "learning" (like mine!) then this is the book for you! It's a great resource for parents to play games with your kids AND improve their math skills. The book is geared for children in Kindergarten-3rd grade and each activity tells you what it is meant to teach and what grade level it is designed for.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a great resource. This is full of easy, fun games to play with your kids to help them develop or practice a number of math skills. Most of them use simple materials you already have around your house (pencil, paper, a deck of cards, dice, calculator). I've tried a couple out with my own kids and plan to use many more with my students. If your child struggles in math, or just needs a little more practice, or just doesn't think math is fun, then this book is for you!

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I found this book at the library on a recommendation from an MDC forum. This book is full of fun math games for K-3 and has great background information about learning for the parent. The writing and tone are just right.

[Justina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. I thought since these are the only books I have been able to read lately I'd write them down. This way I don't feel so absent.:) They have great little game ideas to teach so the kids don't get bored.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL!!! Solid math ideas in fun games! I need to purchase this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice activities by grade level K-3 with everyday materials

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's full of great, simple games for younger grades. You can play these games with stuff you have in your house and prepare most of them in just a few minutes.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of math games for home or school. Some require advance prep, but many can be done on short notice.