This game is a very effective help for any child who learns elementary mathematics. So, it is for children between 5 and 10 (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade and kindergarten kids). But if kids are interested in math at a younger age, they can use this game as well.
This game works really fast. You will be surprised how quickly children will learn things they might have trouble dealing with before.
Still, parents are the ones who should choose the game’s settings and – especially – the prizes . Prizes are essential for the game to achieve its purpose.
Choose the length of a session (the number of calculations till a new prize is awarded) and the success thresholds (how many good answers out of total answers are needed to reach the threshold). The prize can be anything, even a trifle, but it must be something your kid really likes. Then he/she will be motivated to play well and learn in the process!
It is recommended to give two awards. The first – bigger – prize (e.g. chocolate bar, a packet of biscuits, a hamburger, a bag of waffles, etc.) and the second, lower one (e.g. one candy, one biscuit, etc.). Second prize is a
“consolation prize” and is meant to keep the interest of the child awake, and the ambition to win the 1st Prize going.
Never forget to give the prize!
You don’t need to stay with your child while he/she plays. The game cannot be “cheated”. When the child does not know an answer there’s no way to “trick” the game. But at the beginning it is still better to stay with your child to help and explain some things.
This is the nicest part 🙂
You will see that in less than a week (usually in 2-3 days), if playing at least 30 minutes a day, your kid will make unbelievable progress! The child will practically juggle with the calculations he/she didn’t understand at all before.
But remember that it’s best if you stay with your child for guidance and encouraging during the first 2-3 sessions.
A child can easily play 3-5 sessions a day (with the same or different operations) without getting bored.