Numeracy News

Colleen Monaghan

Math games

Race to 10

This game has two players. Starting at 0 they take turns and can add either 1 or 2 to the last number said. The player who says 10 is the winner.

For example, suppose:

Note that the game has a winning strategy. Can you work it out? This game is flexible. You can play ‘Race to 21’ counting by numbers from 1 to 3, or ‘Race to 50’ using 1 to 6, for example.

Using Mobile Devices to Encourage Mathematical Thinking in Children

There are many applications (apps) available for mobile devices (eg. Phone, tablet, iPad). Many generic apps come with these devices, while others may be downloaded from app stores. We recommend FREE apps, best downloaded while connected to WiFi. Look for the Lite version of apps. This is a good way to try an app for free and then upgrade for a small cost if you find the app is exactly what you are looking for.

The suggestions below are for apps that come with most devices:

• Go to the app store and search the category Sports for those of interest to your child. Exploring and comparing team and individual results can be quite mathematical.
• Using the Camera App, your child could photograph everyday objects and sort them into similar shapes; take a photo of one object from different views (e.g., above, front, side); or take a sequence of photos as an event is occurring (e.g., building a tower with blocks) and then challenge the family to place them in the order they might have been taken.
• Maps Apps – Your children can use these apps to plan the route to their next party or outing with the family.( now that we can have gatherings of up to 10 outside and 5 in our home)
• Calendar Apps – We live our lives around our calendar, so it is important that children understand its structure. Have your child add family events to the calendar.
• Weather Apps - Children can check the weather app a week/day before some event to assist in planning.