Card games are a fun and engaging way to improve mental maths skills. Not only do they help children develop their ability to perform quick calculations, but they also provide an opportunity for social interaction and friendly competition. Here are some ways that playing card games can benefit your child’s mental maths abilities:
Quick Thinking
- Card games require players to think quickly and make decisions in a short amount of time. This can help develop mental agility and improve problem-solving skills. Additionally, by practicing mental maths during the game, children can improve their ability to do calculations quickly and accurately.
Engaging and Interactive
- Card games provide an engaging and interactive way to learn and practice mental maths. Children are more likely to stay focused and interested when they are having fun, and card games provide an opportunity for this. Plus, playing card games with friends or family can improve social skills and create a sense of camaraderie.
Reinforcing Basic Maths Concepts
- Many card games involve counting, adding, subtracting, and other basic maths concepts. By playing these games, children are reinforcing what they have learned in the classroom in a fun and practical way. This can help children better understand maths concepts and apply them in everyday situations.
- Developing Strategic Thinking Card games often require strategic thinking and decision making. This can help children develop their critical thinking skills and become better problem solvers. Additionally, by playing different types of card games, children can develop a range of strategic thinking skills.
Examples of games that can improve mental maths skills include:
- Snap: A quick-paced game that requires players to recognize matching pairs of cards.
- Go Fish: A game that involves asking other players for specific cards and building sets.
- Blackjack: A game where players must add the value of their cards to reach a certain number without going over.
- Uno: A game that involves matching numbers and colours of cards.
If you want to get your child ahead with their mental Maths then why not play a game of cards with them.
I was always a good mathematician at school, but it wasn’t just natural ability.
I had a secret.
My grandfather, a World War 2 veteran, regularly played cards with me.
And he played to win!
His favourite game was crib, and it was my favourite game too. I loved it and I had to be sharp to have any chance at all!
