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In “Using Play to Teach Math” Matthew Oldridge (2019) encourages teachers to utilize play in teaching math. He discusses some of the misconceptions of play being an acceptable pedagogy only for the early primary years and suggests that allowing children guided play when working through math can be “a productive way to “open students’ minds to better understand difficult mathematical concepts.” ( Oldridge, 2019)
Olderidge has three tips for teachers curious about using play in math.
1) Embrace and Incorporate Play
Working on interesting problems through play can allow for students to get into what he terms “flow” and come up with creative solutions.
Make math lessons engaging rather than rote memorization, apply “talk, think, reason, and wonder” through collaborative problem-solving
Provoke interest through the use of daily math prompts: www.visualpatterns.org , www.fractiontalks.com, and www.estimation180.com
2)Lean into the Unknown
Be open to students’ different ways of thinking to foster playful curiosity which he says improves students understanding of complex concepts.
Understand that problem-solving can be messy and you may need to make some changes.
Observe students while working and listen to them talk making adaptations and giving feedback when necessary.
3) Use Concrete Methods
Use digital or concrete manipulatives for students to practice representation and basic skills
Designate 1 day per week for purposeful play with basic skills
Use playful visual presentation
(Oldridge, 2019)
According to Reading Well (n.d.), using multisensory math teaching methods, technology, and feedback cycles can help support students with dyscalculia, therefore, engaging in play with manipulatives both concrete and digital, and observing and supporting with feedback as Oldridge mentioned are important for supporting students with dyscalculia and those who have challenges with mathematics.
References:
Oldridge, M. (2019, July 24). Using play to teach math. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/playful-approach-math
Reading well. (n.d.). Dyscalculia. https://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/dyscalculia.html
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