I have said it before, I will say it again..patterns are the key to successfully mastering more advanced math topics, like algebra. In my experience in the classroom, I have found that the student who have mastered their math facts have a significant advantage over those who do not. What’s a parent to do? A simple answer is: math games. A complicated answer is: make math important in your daily life.

In previous posts I have described a few of the Everyday Math games that foster basic math fact awareness. Games like Top-It for addition, subtraction and multiplication really  get students (and parents) thinking about their basic skills. But, it’s one thing to be able to know that 11+25 is 36, it’s another thing altogether to recognize that there are many ways to make 36. (2x18, 3x12, 4x9, 6x6 or all of the addition/subtraction facts that go along with that particular number.) To this end, there are a few games and puzzles that you can play or do that will foster recognition.

My favorite flexible math game for thinking forward/backwards and sideways about math is Target Practice. This is a game where you have to “make” the target number from the cards you have been given. In easier versions you only use addition and subtraction of positive numbers. This is ideal for kids who are in K-2^nd grade. As they learn about integers, you can start using numbers below zero. After they learn multiplication and division facts you can incorporate those into the game as well.

If your child is more of a visual thinker, you can introduce Ken-Ken as a way to promote pattern seeking thought. Ken-ken  is a soduko like puzzle that uses addition, subtraction and multiplication.

Each "block" is defined by a number and an operation. The number is the total for that block and the operation is the only operation used in that block. )if the operation is multiplication, all the numbers are multiplied to get the total.) The catch is, the number of blocks across the whole puzzle defines the numbers in the puzzle. In this example, there are four block across, thus the mumbers used in the puzzle are 1 thru 4. No numbers can be repeated in a row or column.

If you'd like to try it on-line go to http://www.kenken.com/index.html for puzzles and tips.

Happy mathing!

Tracey M