Games in Maths Middle School students

Middle school math games are played around classrooms all over the world to help students better understand new concepts. Math games are also used as review lessons. Many teachers implement math games in the classroom because they provide students with excitement about learning, as well as help them work harder to make sure they understand new concepts. When done right, math games are a powerful tool in a middle school teacher’s arsenal.

1. Significance:
Math is a subject that follows children from preschool all the way through high school. As such, it is obvious that learning and understanding the concepts of mathematics is quite significant, especially since many concepts build upon each other. By the time a child reaches middle school, the syllabus contains statistics, geometry and algebra. Math games are one way teachers use to make learning these concepts fun and interactive; thus, enabling students to grasp the concepts easier. Middle school students still learn better through hands-on activities where they can not only visualize the concepts, but see them in action.

2. Features:
Middle school math games have various features that make them appealing to the student. One such feature is that the games are relevant to the concepts a teacher is trying to convey to the class. It makes no sense to play a fun game, if the students still do not understand what is being taught to them. Another feature is that the games should contain manipulatives whenever possible, such as flash cards, counters or even the opportunity to use a dry erase marker to write on a whiteboard. Still another feature of middle school math games is that rewards get students excited about learning new concepts. Consider offering winners of the games a larger prize, while giving the rest of the class a small prize. This could be as simple as a piece of candy, which middle schoolers still enjoy very much.

3. Types:
There are a variety of middle school math game ideas that you might consider utilizing in your classroom. Each game is based on a particular concept.

a. Pie Charts and Bar Charts: The pie chart and bar graph are good methods for explaining statistics. The pie chart can contain the appropriate labeling with different bright colors. The pie and bar chart can be used for explaining the concept of part, whole and percentage. Draw a bar chart with different colored bars denoting different sizes of commodities. Based on the graph, ask the students to identify the bar with the highest amount and lowest and also intermediate. This way it becomes easier in identifying quantities. The pie chart, on the other hand, can be used for calculating percentage. Given two components, the student can be asked to identify the ratio or proportion of one component to the other. This can be changed into percentage based on the formula: Part/Whole = Percent/100.

b. Memory Test: Memory tests can be used for testing the color and geometry of objects. Objects of various shapes and colors are flashed in front of the student for a few seconds. The students are then asked to identify or remember whatever they have seen. This method is most useful while trying to judge a student’s ability to remember things. The skill for this game depends on the time to display the objects and concentration of the students. The students will have to answer about the color of the object and also the shape of the object. This keeps the student informed about the various shapes available.

c. Calculative Game: A calculative game can be carried out similar to the previous memory test. Instead of objects, use number calculations that are displayed for a few seconds (such as 12*12 or 100/2). The students will be asked to come out with an answer as soon as the calculations are displayed. The students can be given a couple of seconds to report the answer, and based on the time taken the students can be judged. This game not only sharpens the memory, but also helps the students to improve their speed of calculation.

d. Geometric Game: Elastic bands and a board with pegs can be used for making shapes and identifying the lengths of these shapes to cover important geometry concepts. The students can be asked to make different shapes using the band. The perimeter and area can then be formulated based on the distance between the pegs and the type of object formed.

4. Effects:
There are often times when a teacher simply has to teach math concepts in a conventional manner, such as reading from a textbook, using examples on a whiteboard, or handing out worksheets that explain new concepts step-by-step. This is still a very effective way to teach middle school students. But, when math games are introduced in routine, it gives the students something to look forward to. To this end, math games can be used as review lessons and when the students know when to expect the games, they will probably work harder to understand the concepts so they can perform well in the games. This can greatly affect a student’s grades on the whole.

5. Considerations:
While math games can be a lot of fun, it is important to choose games that will keep students interested in learning. Try varying the game styles that you play, so students will always be on their toes. For instance, Jeopardy is fun but when it is played all the time, students start to lose interest. Also, consider the nature of the games you choose. You probably do not want to play a running game indoors, as it can disturb other classes. Once a teacher really knows her students, she can easily decipher which games work well in her classroom, as different games work well in certain environments.