Math and number games

In these games, numbers become things to pick up, coins to give as change, boxes to fill in or a race against the clock. Counting, adding up to reach the right total, comparing two numbers, solving a little problem: each right answer moves the game forward, and math becomes very concrete. Mental math, number sense and reasoning improve through repetition. Around 4 or 5, you start by counting and recognizing digits; times tables and bigger calculations usually come from age 7 or 8. A few short, regular sessions are better than one long session that wears you out, and a sum from the game is easy to redo with real objects, like pasta or buttons.