In an age when kids spend so much time in front of screens, board games are an often overlooked opportunity for learning. From basic life skills like fair play and taking turns to more complex learning concepts specific to certain games, board games are something that can benefit both parents and kids in so many ways!
And if you have a child that’s struggling with math concepts, math board games can be the perfect way to master new skills while also having fun as a family! Wondering which game might be a good choice for your children? Boardgameswizard.com recommends these top four games for helping to develop math skills:
1. Ocean Raiders
Ocean Raiders is an exciting math game that can be played by 2-4 players at a time. The game is designed for children 5 years of age or older. Younger kids can still take part as well if they’ve learned some basic counting.
The game takes about 40 minutes to play and uses a basic “chutes and ladders” style of gameplay that also incorporates addition skills in order to progress.
Players are required to save treasure from a sunken ship by adding up numbers and moving their piece forward to reach sector 49. The first player to reach this sector wins the game. While adults may have no problem with the addition skills needed to progress, it’s still a great family game thanks to exciting gameplay that helps keep everyone engaged.
2. Money Bags Coin Value
Math is an essential skill when it comes to developing good money management, and the earlier parents help children develop their money skills, the better!
And while real-life examples and money experience is great, why not add a little extra fun to the learning with Money Bags Coin Value?
Designed for kids between 7 and 10, the game can be played with up to four players and takes about 20 minutes. Players move around the board completing chores and earning money. When the first player reaches the finish line, the game ends. The winner is the one that’s earned the most money!
The great thing about the game is that strategic planning can help players win even if they’re not the first one to the finish. And, of course, they’ll learn about earning and counting money as they play as well!
3. Sum Swamp Board Game
This colourful game has a fun swamp theme that will appeal to younger children. It’s appropriate for children aged five and up with adult support, or seven and up for kids playing independently.
The game requires both addition and subtraction skills to progress, and challenges kids to escape an endless swamp loop to reach the finish line. Kids will love racing their swamp monsters through shortcuts as they build skills with number recognition, addition and subtraction.
4. Clumsy Thief Money
For older children looking for a fun and fast-paced math challenge, Clumsy Thief Money is the perfect choice. This game for children aged eight and up takes just fifteen minutes to play, but will have kids laughing from start to finish!
The concept is simple; make a stack of money that equals $100. The player with the most stacks wins the game. But players can also snatch stacks of money from each other and even use “Thief” and “Jail” cards to stop other players’ moves.
The resulting game takes logic, planning and a bit of luck to win, and since up to six players can take part, it’s a great group activity! Plus, the fast-paced money adding helps build math skills at the same time.
No matter what game you choose, making math more fun for kids is a great way to help them develop skills that will help them thrive throughout their lives. And in a pinch, you can even make your own math game for kids! You’ll be glad you did when you see your kids getting excited about using their new number skills.