Best Math Board Games for Kids and Teens
By Kathleen Cantor, 02 Dec 2021
Math is not everyone's favorite subject. Many students tend to get frustrated and bored while learning it. But using fun as a strategy can facilitate better learning. Board games are a great way to develop and practice math skills. It also decreases the anxiousness that students feel about the subject. There are math board games that teach math skills in a fun way, and it builds self-confidence.
What is Mathematics?
Mathematics is the study of formulas, related structures, shapes, and quantities. It deals with arithmetic, algebra, number theory, geometry, calculus, and analysis.
How do board games teach you Math?
A board game is any game played on a board that involves the movement of pieces. There are board games that incorporate mathematical thinking into the gameplay. It helps students to develop basic skills in mathematics. This includes number and pattern recognition, performing essential fundamental operations, and problem-solving.
Reviewing the Best Math Board Games
Here is our list of the best board games that teach Mathematics:
Rummikub
Rummikub is a tile-based game made up of plastic with a dimension of 13.25 x 2 x 10.5 inches. It is easy to learn and a fast-paced game where kids and adults can enjoy together. It includes 106 plastic tiles, four racks, and complete instructions. This game is best suited for children ages eight and up and for 2 to 4 players only.
The goal of the game:
The goal of the game is to create either a set of tiles or runs. A collection of tiles bears the exact figure in different colors. In comparison, sets of runs refer to three consecutive numbers in the same color. The first player to place all the tiles on their rack on the table will be the winner.
Math Skill
The Rummikub develops skills in planning, pattern recognition, and sequencing.
Sum Swamp
The Sum Swamp is an educational board game made up of paper with 10 x 10 x 1.5 inches. It includes four swamp creature game pieces, 2 number dice, and an operation die. This game is for siblings, family groups, and friends to enjoy together. It is best suited for children ages 5 to 7 years old and 2 to 4 players. It's everyone's short game lasting only 10 to 20 minutes.
The goal of the game
The goal of the game is to make your way around the board. The first player to reach the finished space is the winner.
Math Skill
Sum Swamp develops fluency in early math skills such as addition and subtraction. The player moves ahead by the sum or difference.
Monopoly Jr.
Monopoly Jr. is a board game with a dimension of 1.61 x 10.51 x 10. It includes a game board, tokens, Chance cards, sold signs, Monopoly banknotes, one die, Who's Your Token?, Character cards and game guide. This game is for 2 to 4 players’ aged five and up. It's a simplified version of the board game Monopoly made for young children. It has a smaller rectangular board than the standard game. The street name basis is the city's amusements to make the game attractive to the children.
The goal of the game:
The goal of the game is to explore around the board. Buy every property you land on your squares, collect money and pick up chance cards. If one player runs out of money, the others count their cash. The player with the most money will be the winner.
Math Skill
Monopoly Jr develops math skills for number recognition, money management, and counting
Money Bags
Money Bags is a board game for four players aged seven years old and above. It’s made up of plastic materials with a dimension of 10 x 10 x 6.25 inches. It includes one game board with a spinner. There are also die, 100 plastic coins, play dollar bills, four-game markers, and instructions.
The goal of the game:
The goal is to earn money by following what the board says. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins.
Math Skill:
Money Bags develop the skills in recognition, collecting, counting, and exchanging of money
Drop It
The Drop It is a family strategy game. It is made up of plastic materials with a dimension of 11.6 x 2.8 x 11.6 inches and played by 2 to 4 players or with two teams aged eight and above. The playtime is 30 minutes. Drop it is composed of shapes and a vertical game board.
The goal of the game:
The goal in this game is to get the most points. Players earn points depending on where their pieces come to rest. The higher level they end on, the more points they will gain. They will score bonus points as well if they are touching special marks.
Math Skills:
Drop it to develop the skills in recognizing geometric shapes.
Conclusion
We recommend the top 3 best picks for the best board games: Rummikub, Sum Swamp, and Monopoly Junior, The Pressman Rummikub, the Large Numbers Edition, for its mathematical applications. These games develop STEM and STEAM skills such as pattern recognition and sequencing.
The Learning Resources Sum Swamp earns the second-highest rate in the list. Also, it develops skills in performing fundamental operations such as adding and subtracting.
The Monopoly Junior also develops skills in number recognition, money management, and counting. It also gains the same rating as the Sum Swamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Board Games Improve Math Skills?
Board Games improved Math skills. It includes the ability to identify numbers, count, compare, and estimate number values. It also enhances the self-confidence, decision making and reasoning skills of the students. They also learn how to plan and decide intelligently. Board games help to let the students love math.
What to consider in buying a Math board game?
There are three considerations in choosing the best board games that teach you math. The buyer must consider the price, features, benefits, and materials.
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