Computer time is regular part of our homeschool day, a time the girlies look forward to each day. Computer time is intended to be a fun, but valuable part of our educational day, so I carefully select the websites the girlies can access. (If I didn’t, I suspect my sweet darlings would happily spend an entire day playing Webkinz, Minecraft, or Temple Run.)
Over the past couple of years, I have found that online math games help improve the girlies’ retention of basic math facts and lessen the amount of time it takes for them to master some skills. Here are four ways I use online math games in our homeschool.
As a reward for the completion of work: Online math games a fabulous way to reward the girlies for working hard during the school day. Even if given a choice of other websites, the girlies will often choose to play on one of their favorite online math websites.
As practice for current concepts: Each time my girlies need to memorize math facts, I allow them to use an online math game to practice them. They memorize more quickly this way and have fun doing it. I love that many websites include timing options so the girlies know how long it’s taking them to answer facts. Once they know how long it takes to answer a set of facts, they work on improving their time with little to no prompting from me.
As a review of concepts I’ve taught: An online math game is a great way for the girlies to review what I’ve taught them. Because the review is done using a game format, the girlies don’t often know that I’m checking up on them. If they struggle with a skill or concept, replaying a game is an awesome way for the girlies to practice.
As an introduction of new concepts: Many times before I begin a new math unit, I want to see what the girlies know about the topic. I could give them a pretest or ask lots of questions, but that can be boring or cause the girlies to stress. Online math games allow me see what they already know via a fun and stress free approach.
There are many, many online math games for kids to use. But since we’re on a budget, I always look for free online math games. I have found dozens of free ones, but the list below notes the ones we love the most. Check them out and be sure to bookmark them!
Throughout the school year, consider using online math games as a supplement to your curriculum. Do you have a favorite online math game?
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© 2014, Andrea Thorpe. All rights reserved.
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