Activities with which to favor the learning of mathematics
They have a reputation for being boring and popular culture has been responsible for making maths be seen as one of the subjects most feared by students. But the reality is very different, this matter can be as fun as any game that occupies the leisure time of the little ones.
In fact, maths and play are not at odds. These playful activities can even favor the teaching of this subject, so a priori, difficult for the little ones. This is highlighted by Adela Salvador, of the faculty of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, in one of his works.
Game and learning
Salvador presents the game as a vehicle through which students can understand different concepts and internalize them. These activities also make it possible to consolidate what is known and processes already acquired and strengthen the automatisms that make up the learning of any subject. Why not apply these activities to mathematics?
Among the advantages of using the game in the learning of mathematics include:
- Helps students acquire high levels of dexterity in the development of mathematical thinking.
- It serves to teach contents and strategies in the resolution of problems.
- It generates a greater motivation in the children, favoring their enthusiasm for the subject.
- The games help to build a wide network of devices that allow the child to assimilate a reality and incorporate it into their day to day life.
Games to learn mathematics
These are some examples of games that serve to teach the use of mathematics through the activities:
- The small store. Managing a store requires the use of small mathematical operations: addition and subtraction, divisions. Putting the child in the role of the manager of the trade and making him think before collecting or receiving a quantity of money will favor the development of this matter.
- Divide the pie. A very simple way to teach fractions to the little ones is to teach that the unit is like a cake, and the pieces into which the fractions are divided.
- Shopping list. A budget is assigned to the smallest and they are granted a shopping list. Then they are invited to "buy" in a supermarket, offering different products at different prices. The objective is that you know how to choose and square what you carry in the purse with the cost of the items.
Damián Montero
