Math Games
Every subject can be approached in a living way. Math is not about the rote memory of facts or simply applying algorithms without understanding the “why” behind it. In Home Education, Mason stated:
The child may learn the multiplication-table and do a subtraction sum without any insight into the rationale of either. He may even become a good arithmetician, applying rules aptly, without seeing the reason of them; but arithmetic becomes an elementary mathematical training only in so far as the reason why of every process is clear to the child (p. 255-256).
Right Start Math understands the importance of approaching math with this perspective. A vital part of their curriculum is having students regularly play math card games in order to bring delight into learning and reinforce concepts in an interactive way.
Listen to what one of our Alveary members, Karyn Feuling, has to say about the Right Start card games:
I have found that when a new math concept is not sticking, moving on to the math games has been our answer. Spending a couple days doing the games has helped our daughter understand a concept that was just not clicking before. And when she forgets it, we go back and play the games again. Ideally, we are playing games daily that coincide with the current lessons. These games have truly been the answer when our daughter has just been stuck and not getting it. Currently we have been playing F44, Fraction Division War and F46, Percentage Memory Game, to help with percents and fractions. There are so many games and so many fun ones. Playing them in the evening for 5 to 10 minutes is much better than doing worksheets or “homework.” Right Start looks at concepts in many ways to help children understand. Playing games is one of them, and it works!
What games does your family play to promote learning? Head on over to the Hive and leave your comments.
Notes
1. 2023 Centenary Conference: You’re invited to the Charlotte Mason Centenary Conference, hosted jointly by the University of Cumbria and CMI, from July 19-21, 2023 in Ambleside, England! You can register here.
2. Internship Opportunity: A digital design internship opportunity for Alveary sophomores and juniors is coming soon. If you have a student who is interested, please have them complete this survey.
3. Office Hours: Our next session will be Wednesday, October 5th at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Danielle Merritt-Sunseri will be with us to answer your questions concerning neuroatypical learners. Please submit your questions at least 24 hours in advance by commenting on the event in The Hive. Here is a link to the spreadsheet with all of the past Office Hours videos.
Queries
1. High School Links: The links within the lesson plan pdfs for grade 9 are not active. Could you please advise? History, Poetry, Literature, etc. are all not working. I have tried using Safari and Chrome.
Links within the lesson plan PDF indicate that there is a link; actual links are live on the last page of the lesson plans. You can also access the links by clicking on “CUSTOMIZE GRADE 9” and using the live lesson plans there.
2. Modern Language: I’m getting bogged down with coming up with TPR (Total Physical Response) gestures for Form 2 modern language lessons. Can you give me some guidance on using TPR in our lessons?
Check out this 6-minute video from Rachel Miller to find out some great tips.
