Math for Love Tiny Polka Dot Game
(Math For Love $ 14.99)
In looking for games to support early math skills during this time of virtual school, we came upon Tiny Polka Dot Game for older preschoolers and early school aged kids. It’s not a new-this-year game, but it’s new to us and we think useful for families doing hybrid learning. It’s not one game, but 16 easy-to-learn math games that reinforce basic math skills all in one box. The brightly colored cards come with dots in various patterns, and numerals.
Tiny Polka Dot is like bringing home an early childhood teacher with multiple ways of teaching early counting, number values, sequencing and more. Each game is clearly explained and easy to learn. Try just one game several times, perhaps with a variation for a session. Start with the easy games first. For example, in “Match the Dots” players match two cards with the same number of dots, but the way those dots are arranged on each of the cards will be different. Too easy? Make it a little more challenging, add two more suits with more dots. Avoid the temptation to move along to a second or third new game, since rounds are played quickly. But give them time. Getting the concept of each game calls for repetition. Don’t worry about the age on each set of instructions. Remember, you want to build their confidence as well as their competence; let them build mastery and a sense that Math is fun and they’re good at it.
Ages: Preschoolers, Early School
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2020
