Board Games for Learning Numbers and Other Skills

Children love to play board games. It is not just about turn taking and having fun, educators and parents can use board games for learning numbers and many other skills. Did you know that mathematical performance is strongly associated with later mathematics and reading achievement? Children need to start learning about numbers at an early age and an easy way to introduce numeracy is through the use of board games.

How Does Playing Board Games Help with Learning Numbers?

Children learn the following skills when playing board games for learning numbers.

Verbal Counting

Before children learn the exact meaning of numbers and what they represent, they learn to count in numerical order. When playing board games where they have to move pieces along a path, children learn verbal counting through repeated practice as they move their game tokens.

Number Identification

Children learn to associate the printed number with verbal counting and how those numbers relate to other numbers before and after. As they move their pieces along the game board, they also begin to learn the concept of counting on which is an early skill for addition.

Linear Representation of Numbers

Some board games have children move along a numbered path with the numbers going up. Children start to understand the distance between numbers. When you move along the number line children can also begin to understand the concepts of space and quantity.

Quantity Comparison

When children move along the board game following the ordered numbers or spaces, it helps them to understand the relationship between numbers and quantities.

How to Teach Children to Use Board Games for Learning Numbers

Educators and parents have to take the time to teach children how to play board games. To start, adults can play the board game with the children or demonstrate how to play to a group of children. Once the children understand how to play, you can set up small groups to facilitate peer-mediated learning. You may need to differentiate the activity to make sure the children are successful.

As you observe the children, provide explicit corrections if they need help. Also provide behavior specific positive praise to encourage perseverance and patience to continue playing. Throughout play, provide verbal feedback on the difference in number quantities and spacing.

What Other Skills Do Children Learn By Playing Board Games?

Not only are board games helpful for learning numbers, they also teach children many other skills such as:

• turn taking
• self-regulation (waiting their turn)
• how to win respectfully and how to lose
• language development
• fine motor skills
• visual motor skills
• executive function skills
• teamwork
• cognitive skills
• focus and attention

Reference:

Hendrix, N. M., Hojnoski, R. L., & Missall, K. N. (2020). Promoting numeracy skills through board game play. Young Exceptional Children, 23(2), 100-111.

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