Creating a maths game

As part of the independent research study, our boy has to design a game. Over a full day learning journey, they learnt more about game mechanisms, techniques and steps in designing their games. Their homework is to prototype the game and play test with family and friends.

Last Friday evening, we brainstormed on the game title and general rules of the games. We decided on the game components to make- a game board & cards. We started the project on Saturday evening, cutting cardboards, deciding where to place plus and minus signs. Along the way, we made adjustments to the placement of the signs so that meaningful addition and subtraction sentences can be made.

Generally, his game, Number City, goes like this- Each player draws 8 cards and start to create maths sentences with each turn until he finishes his cards. To add challenges, we designed special cards eg. Swap, draw 2, exchange, to spice up the game. He has not decided whether to use a "magic" card to clear the board totally and start from an empty board.

In play testing, we subjected the game to different scenarios that will never been known if it remains in concept. He learnt how to explain his game creation with rules he set and answer questions on decisions he made. Tough for a P1 but it is indeed a learning journey, for both mother & son.

Music & Maths

There are many similarities between music and maths. There are many researches that show how music helps children grasp maths concept.

Patterning vs Phrases

In maths, the child is taught patterns like ABAB or AABAAB. In music, the piece usually comprises 3 or 4 phrases, in a similar ABBA manner. The child can appreciate the music piece, hence decipher otherwise abstract maths concept easily.

Notes vs Fractions

In music, a 4/4 bar is made of different notes of different time (quavers, crotchets, minim, dotted minim & semi breve), making up to 4 counts in total. This is equivalent to dividing 4 into different numbers in maths. Fractions can be explained in this way- crochets can be made of 2 quavers (1/2) or 4 semi quavers (1/4).

A toddler who can barely count to 10 can easily clap or sway with the rhythm of music. Hence, before we kickstart a child in maths, let them sing & dance!

Our Living Environment

Like more than 75% of Singapore population, we live in highrise apartments of floor area less than 100sqm. Our children do not have large play areas at home but is spoilt for choices for community facilities in the neighbourhood. Every inch of our Environment is our teacher. Let's explore!

Counting up & down

If you are taking the stairs, count the steps 1,2,3... For younger kids, restart from 0 at each flight. For older kids, add the total number of steps.
If you are taking the lift, count down from the floor you are staying 10,9,8...Blast off!

Social Etiquette

We will meet our neighbors along the way. Greet each other with a smile. In a lift, show your child how to hold the lift for a neighbor to come in. Say Thank You if someone holds the lift for you. Children learn by example. When they are older, they will do the same. Move into the lift as much as possible if the lift is crowded. Say Excuse Me if you need to move out from a crowded lift.

Reading signage

Our residential address are identified by block, floor and unit numbers. Show the child the 3 signage. While picking up the letter from the letterbox, show your child how the address is written on the envelop with reference to the signage.

If the child can read more words, read all the signage along the way and explain what the signage is saying. It may be a no smoking sign or a directional sign. Verbalise your journey and point to the word if it appears on the signage. Eg. Why is there a cigarette butt here when it is a non-smoking zone? (pointing at the signage)

Science

Why is it more strenuous to walk up the stairs than walking down? Why are there fallen leaves? Ask questions along the way and let the child ponder and explain in his own way. You are cultivating an inquisitive mind and imparting analytical skills. It doesn't matter if the answer is wrong! Put in some encouraging words before you reveal the answer. When the child ask a question, do not brush it aside. If it can't be answered off hand, suggest a session to research into the topic on Internet.

Playing along the way

The playground may be where we are heading but the play doesn't start there. A game a scissors paper stone at the doorway while waiting for daddy. Jumping from one colored tile to another in a "follow the leader" manner. With some imagination, the tile pattern at the lift lobby can become a pond (blue tiles) with petals (accent tiles). Make sure you step on the correct colour or you'll be eaten up by the crocodiles!