Using Games To Enhance Math Instruction

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Preliminary Report

Section 1:

The Early years of school is the beginning of every child’s educational journey. Whilst teaching this group I have often wondered about the pedagogical nature of using games to enhance mathematical learning. I believe that games have an effective way of engaging children, but do they really enhance a child’s mathematical understanding of the concept/s being explored? I intend on reviewing research literature that focuses on the use of games in the mathematics curriculum and how it nurtures quality learning.

Children are active learners who create, modify and integrate ideas by interacting with the physical world, other children and adults. Mathematical activities that resemble games often provide the basis for this interaction and learning. It is imperative that teachers create quality mathematical programs for their students so that it engages, motivates and supports their learning. Teachers will generally scaffold and provide adequate support for learners to understand new concepts. I want to know when children are exploring concepts by playing games with rules are teachers still involving students in quality education? Are they still receiving quality instruction as they interact with other adults, peers and more capable students other than the teacher whilst playing the games? Do these interactions enhance mathematical learning or does it inhibit a learners growth towards understanding.

Currently in Queensland, Australia the early years teachers are working with ...

... middle of paper ...

...ary part of mathematical learning and play because physical actions with concrete materials support exploration and growth towards abstract understandings.

Bragg, L. (2007) Students’ conflicting attitudes towards games as a vehicle for learning mathematics: a methodological dilemma, Mathematics Education Research Journal, Vol 19, No 1, pp 29-44, MERGA, Melbourne.

Works Cited

Griffiths, R. (2005). Mathematics and Play. J. Moyles (Ed.), Excellence of Play (2nd Edition).Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education.

Perry, B. & Dockett,S. (2001). Playing with maths. AMPC (2) 6. (Pages 4-7).

Pound, Linda. Supporting Mathematical Development in the Early Years.

Berkshire, , GBR: McGrawHill Education, 2006. p 3.

Gadini, L. (1993). “Fundamentals of the Reggio approach to early childhood education”. Young children, vol. 49, no.1, pp.4-8.

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