Do not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by play.

-Plato

Not only can you have your child begging to do math work but she’ll also be having fun!  How is this possible you ask?  Certainly those tedious worksheets filled with rows of practice problems cannot be that compelling.  You’ll be happy to discover that math learning can be accomplished in a different manner.  In a way that’s enjoyable and doesn’t seem like math work.

Math is not only about endlessly crunching numbers.  To understand the importance of math, it should be made meaningful.  And fun.  These skills are fundamental to the abstract thinking involved in higher mathematics.  Here are 5 ways to make math fun.

Wooden Sorting Toys

Age:  pre-school

Skills:  classification, concentration, pattern creation, counting

Qwirkle

Sequencing game using strategy and tactical maneuvers. Easy to learn and fun for the whole family.

Age:  5+

Skills:  Shape and pattern recognition, counting, addition

ColorKu

Sudoku using color wooden balls instead of numbers

Age:  8+

Skills:  deductive reasoning, logic, problem solving

Origami

Paper folding to create shapes, figures, creatures

Age:  6+

Skills:  spacial visualization, geometry, fractions, problem solving

GO

Classic Chinese complex board game

Age:  12+

Skills:  abstract thinking, strategy, logic, creativity, emotional balance