Show HN: Silly math games to make learning fun for K through 3rd grade

Random thought that I'm not sure is even a good thought. Tried the number pizza man game, and one mechanic which I thought may be interesting is if the distribution of values in the pizza boxes changes as time goes on. Rather than maybe skipping ahead after a while if the student doesn't get it, slowly change the randomization to include more and more, and then perhaps only exclusively, the right answer. This would allow a kid to still "get it," while still engaging them in the game mechanic.

Re: Show HN: Silly math games to make learning fun for K through 3rd grade

#6

Post by moserch » Tue, Jan 31, 2023, 4:38 PM UTC

ChicagoBoy11 wrote: post #5

Random thought that I'm not sure is even a good thought. Tried the number pizza man game, and one mechanic which I thought may be interesting is if the distribution of values in the pizza boxes changes as time goes on. Rather than maybe skipping ahead after a while if the student doesn't get it, slowly change the randomization to include more and more, and then perhaps only exclusively, the right answer. This would a…

That's actually a really good idea!

Re: Show HN: Silly math games to make learning fun for K through 3rd grade

#7

Post by thenobsta » Tue, Jan 31, 2023, 4:44 PM UTC

My daughter is in 1st grade and really enjoys playing blackjack with me(Dad). It's an amazing metaphor for addition and gives some good entrypoints for talking about probability and decision making.

We play for candy. Surprisingly she hasn't eaten any of it yet. She seems to be balancing her desire to beat dad by having more candy and her desire to eat candy. It's been great bonding time too.

Next up, a similar game with other operations.

Re: Show HN: Silly math games to make learning fun for K through 3rd grade

#8

Post by thenobsta » Tue, Jan 31, 2023, 4:46 PM UTC

A plug for "Math from Three to Seven: The Story of a Mathematical Circle for Preschoolers" seems warranted here. It has great ideas for fun things to do with kids as well.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/12689040-math-from-th...

Re: Show HN: Silly math games to make learning fun for K through 3rd grade

#9

Post by moserch » Tue, Jan 31, 2023, 4:51 PM UTC

thenobsta wrote: post #7

My daughter is in 1st grade and really enjoys playing blackjack with me(Dad). It's an amazing metaphor for addition and gives some good entrypoints for talking about probability and decision making. We play for candy. Surprisingly she hasn't eaten any of it yet. She seems to be balancing her desire to beat dad by having more candy and her desire to eat candy. It's been great bonding time too. Next up, a similar game…

How would you feel about an online game where your kid played blackjack for candy to learn addition? Is it still ok, or is that only something you would have her play with you? That sounds fun and is such a great practical application of the skill she's learning.

Re: Show HN: Silly math games to make learning fun for K through 3rd grade

#10

Post by SailorJerry » Tue, Jan 31, 2023, 4:51 PM UTC

I played through two of the games twice and if I'm not mistaken, the sequence of numbers is always the same. Could they be randomized? I have a feeling children would learn the pattern and not focus on numbers.