February 17, 2024|Game School
Are you looking to add some math and logic to your Gameschool or Family Game Night? Introduce some fun to your child’s learning and watch them level up in their math skills. Here are some award winning math and logic games that are favorites of both kids and parents.
Prime Climb – A game that helps with understanding prime numbers, multiplication, and division.
Review of Prime Climb Game
Ages 10+
Prime Climb is a board game that combines strategic play with the reinforcement of math skills, making it both educational and entertaining. Designed by Dan Finkel and published by Math for Love, this game is suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and up, although younger children with a good grasp of numbers and multiplication can also enjoy it.
Here’s a breakdown of the game’s features:
Educational Value: Prime Climb is excellent for teaching and reinforcing arithmetic and prime number recognition. Each number on the board is color-coded to help players recognize prime numbers and their multiples at a glance. This visual aid is particularly useful for younger players or those struggling with multiplication and division.
Gameplay: Players start with two pawns on the board at the base, which is the number 0. The goal is to be the first to get both pawns to land exactly on the number 101. Players roll two 10-sided dice and can choose to add, subtract, multiply, or divide the number on their pawns by the numbers rolled. Strategic thinking comes into play when deciding which operations to use and which pawns to move, as players can bump opponents’ pawns back to the start or land on prime numbers to draw cards that can provide advantages or disrupt opponents.
Components: The game includes a colorful board, which is both visually appealing and functional, as the color-coding aids in the learning process. It also comes with four sets of pawns, two 10-sided dice, and a deck of Prime cards that add a layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game.
Replay Value: The game has substantial replay value due to its combination of luck and strategy. The dice rolls introduce randomness, while the choice of arithmetic operations ensures that no two games are exactly alike. Players can refine their strategies with each game, and the educational aspect means that children can grow with the game, improving their math skills over time.
Engagement: Prime Climb is engaging for both kids and adults. It can be competitive, but the focus on math and learning can also encourage a collaborative atmosphere where players help each other with calculations and strategies.
Design: The design of the game is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The board is well-organized, and the color-coding system is intuitive. The pawns and dice are sturdy and should hold up well over time.
Sum Swamp – An addition and subtraction game perfect for younger children.
Review of Sum Swamp Game Ages 5+
Sum Swamp is an educational board game designed to help children practice basic math skills in a fun and engaging way. The game typically includes a colorful game board that represents a swamp environment, complete with illustrations of whimsical swamp creatures and features. It is aimed at children aged 5 and above and is often used by parents and teachers as a tool to reinforce addition and subtraction skills.
Players in Sum Swamp navigate their game pieces through the swamp by rolling dice and solving math problems. The game usually comes with two number dice and one operation die, which has symbols for addition and subtraction. On a player’s turn, they roll the three dice and perform the math operation indicated by the operation die with the numbers that come up on the number dice. For example, if a player rolls a 3 and a 5 on the number dice and a “+” on the operation die, they would add the numbers to get 8 and move their game piece forward 8 spaces.
One of the key features of Sum Swamp is its simplicity, making it accessible to children who are just beginning to learn addition and subtraction. The rules are straightforward and easy to understand, allowing kids to focus on the math rather than complex gameplay mechanics.
The game also includes special spaces on the board that can either aid or hinder progress. For instance, landing on an “even” or “odd” space might require the player to move to the next even or odd number, while landing on a space with a creature might have its own unique set of rules, such as skipping a turn or rolling again.
The educational value of Sum Swamp is evident in its ability to make math practice enjoyable. Children often learn best when they are having fun, and the game format can help to reduce math anxiety and encourage a positive attitude towards learning. By incorporating math problems into a board game, children can improve their computational fluency without the pressure of a classroom setting.
Moreover, Sum Swamp can be an excellent tool for developing other important skills, including turn-taking, following rules, and basic strategy. The game is also a good way for families to spend quality time together, with the added benefit of educational development for the kids.
In summary, Sum Swamp is a well-regarded educational game that combines basic arithmetic practice with the fun of a board game. Its appeal lies in its ability to make learning math a playful and social activity, which can be particularly beneficial for children who are less enthusiastic about traditional math exercises.
Dragonwood – A game that involves strategic thinking, probability, and simple math.
Review of Dragonwood Game
Ages 8+
“Dragonwood” is a card and dice game designed by Darren Kisgen and published by Gamewright. It is aimed at players aged 8 and up and typically takes about 20 minutes to play. The game supports 2 to 4 players, making it a suitable choice for families or small groups of friends.
In “Dragonwood,” players venture into a forest filled with fantastical creatures, aiming to capture these creatures to earn points. The game consists of a deck of cards depicting various creatures, enhancements, and actions, as well as a set of dice used to attempt to capture the creatures.
The gameplay is straightforward but engaging. Players collect sets of adventurer cards with numbers and colors on them, and they use these sets to attempt to capture the creature cards from the center of the table. To capture a creature, players must choose whether to strike, scream, or stomp, each of which requires a different combination of cards (such as sets, runs, or sums of numbers). They then roll the dice, and if their roll meets or exceeds the creature’s capture value for that action, they successfully capture the creature and score points.
One of the key strategies in the game is deciding when to use your cards to attempt a capture and when to save them for a more powerful creature that may appear later. Additionally, the game includes some special cards that provide unique abilities or bonuses, adding an extra layer of strategy.
The components of “Dragonwood” are of high quality, with vibrant and whimsical illustrations that enhance the fantasy theme. The dice are custom-made and durable, and the cards are well-designed with clear iconography, making the game easy to learn and play.
The game’s balance of luck and strategy makes it accessible to younger players while still offering enough depth to keep more experienced players engaged. The game’s quick playtime encourages multiple rounds, and its portability makes it an excellent choice for travel or casual gaming sessions.
Overall, “Dragonwood” is a fun and light-hearted game that combines simple card collecting mechanics with dice rolling. Its theme is appealing to a wide range of players, and it serves as an excellent introduction to more complex card and dice games. It’s a fantastic choice for family game nights or for anyone looking for a quick and entertaining game with a touch of fantasy adventure.
Tiny Polka Dot – A card game designed to help young children understand numbers and patterns.
Review of Tiny Polka Dot Game Ages 3+
Tiny Polka Dot is a mathematical card game designed to help children discover and enjoy the world of numbers. The game is typically aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 8, providing a playful experience that can grow with the child as they learn and develop their mathematical skills.
Here’s a review of the Tiny Polka Dot game:
Educational Value: Tiny Polka Dot scores high on educational value. It’s designed by a math educator and is excellent for teaching children number recognition, counting, arithmetic, and logical thinking. The game includes multiple mini-games, which cater to different age groups and learning stages, making it a versatile tool in teaching basic math concepts.
Game Components: The game consists of a set of 66 durable, brightly colored cards with dots ranging from 0 to 10. The dots come in different colors, sizes, and arrangements, providing a visual and tactile way for children to engage with numbers. The cards are made of sturdy material, which is great for the wear and tear expected from young learners.
Ease of Learning: One of the strengths of Tiny Polka Dot is its simplicity. The rules are straightforward, and the game includes instructions for 16 different games, which range from very simple for the youngest players to more challenging for older children. Parents and educators can easily choose a game that matches the child’s current math skills.
Fun Factor: For a game that’s educational, Tiny Polka Dot manages to keep fun at the forefront. Kids often don’t even realize they’re learning because they’re too busy enjoying the game. The colorful cards and playful aspect of the games make it appealing to children, and it’s engaging enough to keep them entertained while learning.
Adaptability: The game is highly adaptable to different skill levels. Whether a child is just learning to identify numbers or starting to add and subtract, there’s a game variation that will suit their needs. This adaptability makes it a long-lasting educational resource as children won’t outgrow it quickly.
Social Interaction: Tiny Polka Dot encourages social interaction, as many of the games are designed for two or more players. This is great for developing social skills such as taking turns, cooperative play, and sportsmanship.
Replay Value: With multiple games to choose from, the replay value of Tiny Polka Dot is high. Children can start with the simplest games and progress to more complex ones as they grow. The variety
Adsumudi
Adsumudi Math Game is a fun and educational way to improve math skills.
Adsumudi Math Game Review
Ages 8+
The Adsumudi Math Game is a mathematical puzzle game designed to challenge and improve players’ mental arithmetic skills and problem-solving abilities.
Educational Value: Adsumudi Math Game, like many educational games, is likely designed to target various mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. By presenting these operations in a game format, it can help players, especially children, to learn and practice math in a fun and engaging way. The game may adapt to the player’s skill level, offering a personalized learning experience that can be beneficial for both beginners and advanced users.
Gameplay: The gameplay is probably structured around solving math problems or puzzles within a certain time limit or with a limited number of moves. This can help players improve their speed and accuracy in mental calculations. The game might include various levels of difficulty, ensuring that it remains challenging and interesting as the player’s skills improve.
User Interface: A well-designed math game would have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate for its target audience, which often includes children. Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and visual aids are important features that help players understand how to play the game and what the objectives are.
Graphics and Sound: While educational games may not prioritize cutting-edge graphics, a visually appealing design can enhance the gaming experience. Colorful graphics, animated characters, and playful sound effects can make the learning process more enjoyable and can help to maintain the player’s interest.
Engagement and Motivation: Good educational games incorporate elements of motivation to keep players engaged. This could include rewards, badges, or progress tracking. Adsumudi Math Game might use such features to encourage players to set and achieve goals, which can be particularly motivating for younger players.
Set – A card game of visual perception pattern recognition and logical reasoning.
SET Enterprises SET – Review
SET – The Family Card Game of Visual Perception is a highly regarded card game that can be an excellent tool for educational purposes. Below is a review of the game from an educational perspective:
Educational Value: SET is a game that challenges players to identify patterns and sets from cards with varying symbols, shapes, colors, and numbers. This aspect of the game is particularly beneficial for educational development as it promotes several cognitive skills:
Pattern Recognition: Players must scan various cards to find commonalities and differences, which is a critical skill in mathematics and science.
Logical Reasoning: SET requires players to apply logical rules to identify sets, fostering deductive reasoning skills.
Visual Perception: The game enhances visual discrimination, as players must distinguish between different shapes, patterns, and colors.
Concentration and Focus: SET demands a high level of attention to detail and concentration, as players must be vigilant to spot potential sets among an array of cards.
Strategic Thinking: While the game is based on perception, there is also an element of strategy in deciding which set to pick to optimize points and chances of winning.
Speed and Quick Thinking: As a fast-paced game, players must think and react quickly, which can help improve processing speed and reflexes.
Social Skills Development: In addition to cognitive benefits, SET also supports the development of social skills. It encourages turn-taking, sportsmanship, and verbal communication as players discuss and verify sets.
Proof: A Mental Math Game is a fun and educational way to improve math skills.
Proof Game Review:
The Proof! Mental Math Game by The Master Theorem Games (formerly Evermade) is an educational tool designed to help players of various ages practice and improve their arithmetic skills. The game is suitable for both classroom settings and home use, offering a fun and engaging way for students to enhance their mental math abilities.
Educational Value: Proof! is a card game that encourages players to create mathematical equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is beneficial for reinforcing basic arithmetic skills and promoting quick mental calculations. The game is adaptable to different skill levels, which makes it appropriate for a wide range of ages and educational stages.
Gameplay: Players are dealt cards with numbers on them, and a set of cards is placed in the middle of the table. The objective is to be the first to create a correct math equation using the cards from the center and the ones in hand. Players must quickly calculate and call out their proof before others to win the round. This fast-paced gameplay helps to improve concentration, speed, and confidence in performing mental calculations.
Components: The game typically includes a deck of cards with numbers and mathematical operation symbols. The cards are usually of high quality, durable, and designed with clear, easy-to-read numbers, which is great for a classroom environment where the game might be used frequently.
Adaptability: Teachers and parents can modify the game rules to suit the learning objectives and the abilities of the players. For example, younger children or beginners might only use addition and subtraction, while more advanced players can incorporate multiplication and division.
Social Skills: Beyond math skills, Proof! also promotes social interaction, teamwork, and healthy competition among players. It can help to build communication skills and sportsmanship as players must interact with each other throughout the game.
Conclusion: Overall, Proof! Mental Math Game is a valuable educational resource that can make learning math fun and interactive. It is well-received by educators and parents for its ability to engage students in math practice without the feel of traditional drills or worksheets. As with any educational tool, the effectiveness of Proof! will depend on how it is implemented and the enthusiasm of the participants.