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Story Problem Math Games

Using stories is essential for teaching math to children. Stories help children visualize and integrate the mathematics being learned into their own lives and experiences. By further making mathematics both a story and a game, teachers help students feel that mathematics can be an interesting and fun subject. Many topics in mathematics can take the form of a story problem.
  1. Stories with Pictures

    • This style combines basic math story problems with drawing games. Use this type of game by simply creating a math story problem. The students should listen attentively while you give the story. After you have completed the story, the students should draw the solution. For example, say "Four seals are swimming in the sea. Two more seals arrive." Then have students draw the scene, which should include 4 + 2 = 6 seals.

    Story Imitations

    • Select a math-based storybook that's written for students. The book "Inch by Inch" by Leo Lionni is an example. After reading the story in class, create a game where students imitate the characters or situation in the book to answer math questions. For instance, in "Inch by Inch" a worm attempts to use its body to measure a variety of objects. Student can copy this idea, using their body parts to measure objects in the room. Give your students a set of objects to measure as math problems.

    Reverse Story Problems

    • Story problems typically consist of giving students a story and requesting the conclusion. Create a game by reversing the sequence of story problems. Start by giving students a picture of a story result, such as 4 black bears standing by 3 gray bears. As a game, have the students create a story to go with the picture. The students can then present their stories to the class.

    Story Book Games

    • Have students create their own math story problems in a storybook to be used later in a game. First, a student creates a page with a story, such as "Sharon went to buy two books. Each book is $19.99." The student then draws the scene on the next page, including a place for the answer (such as the number 38.98 appearing on the cash register in the store). On where the answer should appear, the student places a sticky note that can be lifted. Students read one another's story books (or the teacher can read the story to the class and elicit answers), trying to find the answer. They can check the answer by lifting the sticky note.

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