When you think of math, what do you picture? Perhaps worksheets, repetitive drills, or assessments. Although these tools have an important role in the math classroom, some of the most powerful learning experiences happen when math feels more like fun. Enter math riddles, puzzles, and games. These activities inspire students to play, explore, debate, guess, think, and rethink.
A Grade Ahead understands the importance of mixing fun with learning. That’s why, in addition to our programs that focus on enrichment in English, math, and science, we also offer enrichment camps! Interested? See if an academy near you will be running these camps this summer, and read more about them here.
What makes math puzzles, riddles, and games so valuable?
They Promote Resilience in Problem-Solving
When students enjoy the challenge, they stick with it for longer. Puzzles, riddles, and games encourage making predictions, making mistakes, guessing, and guessing some more. Students examine patterns, form ideas, test, and refine their thinking. When solving these activities, students understand that mistakes don’t result in wrong answers but open new pathways to solutions. They reduce the fear of getting stuck and embrace experimentation to try and try again.
Try It Out:
How many squares are there in the 4 by 4 grid?
They Inspire Meaningful Math Conversations
Math puzzles, riddles, and games inspire meaningful math conversations by encouraging students to share their reasoning and strategies, leading to collaboration to find solutions. As students work together, they naturally engage in questioning and justification, leading to questions like:
- What makes you say that?
- What led you to that idea?
- What steps did you take to figure this out?
- Can you show me how you solved it?
Try It Out:
I am a three-digit number. My hundreds digit is twice my ones digit. My tens digit is 5 more than my ones digit. The sum of my digits is 13. What number am I?
They Bring Joy to Math
When students are given the opportunity to play, it drives motivation. These activities spark curiosity and celebrate the adventure of arriving at a solution rather than just the solution itself.
Try It Out:
How many gumballs are in the jar?
Math riddles, puzzles, and games promote joy, perseverance, logic, and critical thinking. They encourage students to look beyond the answer and think about all pieces of solving a problem. So, put on your thinking cap and explore the world of math riddles, puzzles, and games. Experience the joy of these activities that will have you see math in a new light.
What do you think? Does your student enjoy math riddles, puzzles, and games? Do they help your child improve in the classroom? What is your favorite math puzzle? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
Are you ready to elevate your child’s educational experience? Call or visit A Grade Ahead to get a free curriculum sample, take a free assessment, or sign up for a free trial class today!
Author: Nate Baltzer, Teacher at A Grade Ahead
