One word: GAMES! My children are still quite young but they are math whizzes for their age to be sure. My little secret is out: play lots of games that deal with number in any and every way. The best way to improve mathematical skill is through increasing ones understanding of number. Trust me here.

For little wee ones, playing simple games where markers on a board move 1, 2, 3 or 4 spaces teaching one to one correspondence - an essential early concept.

For slightly older ones, recognizing the numbers on a die with automaticity and transferring that to movement is math at its most basic and most important again.

Now bring in addition type games - use two die, multiple playing cards, etc. Simple games like war can be easily adapted: instead of comparing one card to another , each player plays two cards and the sums compete!

Cards are fantastic for math skill building as children age. Cribbage is a fantastic game for increasing mental math ability. So is addition and multiplication bingo.

As a teacher I have a whole slew of math games up my sleeve for children (and adults) of all ages. The best part about them is that they are FUN! Oh, and they do a number on your math skills as well!

Learn more about this author, Tania Lawrence.
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