Table-top games and activities can provide lots of opportunities for children to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts, including number recognition, counting, calculating and ordering.
Many children enjoy using cards to play simple games such as Pairs, Happy Families and Snap. These can be played using a pack of ordinary playing cards, sets of children's playing cards or even home-made cards.
Children will enjoy these activities if the games are graded to match their level of understanding. For example, a child with little experience might gain from using cards numbered from 1 to 3, a child who has more experience with numbers 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, and so on.
Use your professional judgement and knowledge of the children concerned to provide games that will enable them to build on their existing mathematical knowledge and understanding.
A wide range of table-top games is available from early years suppliers, the Early Learning Centre and other good toy shops, but it is easy to make your own. For example, provide:
* packs of cards in different colours, so children can choose which pack they wish to play with.
* cards of different sizes with numerals, pictures or spots to represent the numbers.
* sets of cards that include 'zero'.
Practitioner role
* When playing games with children be aware that younger children can find it difficult to wait their turn when playing as part of a group.
* Provide opportunities for children to play the games in a smaller group with an adult supporting them by modelling how to take turns - 'You go first, then Joe, then me and then it's your turn again.'
* Take every opportunity to support the children in developing their mathematical understanding. Count with them or model counting in the correct order. Encourage them to match one to one by counting the moves they make when using board games, and to relate the numbers they are using to written numerals.
Dominoes
Dominoes are available in various sizes commercially or can be made using blocks of thick card. After showing children the principles of how the game is played, children can play independently or even make their own sets.
Snakes and ladders Many games, available commercially, are based on the 'snakes and ladders'
principle of moving forwards and sometimes backwards, according to the number thrown on a die.
Children who have more experience can usually play these games independently and are often happy to instruct others in the organisation and rules of the games.
Topic games
Devise counting board games to tie in with topics and children's other current interests.
Make a prototype of a simple track with a 'Start' and 'Finish' marked at either end. Make several copies and add relevant topic pictures or drawings when the children want to play a game.
One example might be Goldilocks' route through the woods to the three bears' cottage. Add pictures of trees along the track and a cottage by the 'Finish' box. Photocopy the sheet four times, then stick on to card and laminate. Provide Compare Bears as counters. The children might enjoy creating their own games using this method. They can then decide how the game is to be played and scribe the rules to be kept with the game.
Counters and dice
Small counters and dice can cause problems. While you scrabble about on the floor looking for a small dice or counter, the children may lose interest and wander off to do something else.
Substitute small counters with something larger and firmer, for example, commercially available sorting resources such as Compare Bears. As for dice, throw small dice into a container, use larger dice or play the game on a shallow builder's tray, which will prevent counters falling on the floor.
Whatever system you use, always have plenty of spare dice and counters available. They will get lost and it is frustrating for everyone involved, particularly when someone wants to play a game only to find pieces are missing.
Storage
Store the cards where they are easily accessible to encourage the children to use the resources independently and explore playing their own games, devising their own rules, and creating their own learning opportunities.
Transparent plastic folders with zip tops are useful for storing cards and other table-top maths games, as the contents are clearly visible and won't end up all over the floor.