Sudoku is the math version of a crossword puzzle. The player starts with a grid of squares (usually 9 by 9) divided into 3 by 3 smaller grids, with numbers already placed in a few of the squares. The object of the game is to fill in the grid so that the numbers 1 through 9 appear only once in each row, column and sub-grid. There are Sudoku puzzles for every skill level, and they are available in booklets, online and in many daily newspapers.
Most children love computers, and carefully chosen math-game sites are a good way to supplement their learning while they play. Kids can search out their own learning and interest levels with logic puzzles or online versions of games like Tetris, tic-tac-toe or Tower of Hanoi.
Most “classic” board games are great for building thinking and number skills. Try Chutes and Ladders or Concentration for young children, and checkers, Othello, Go, backgammon, Monopoly and chess as they are able to play for longer periods of time. Card games such as 21, War and solitaire can be played almost anywhere.
Origami (Japanese paper-folding) appeals to both the creative and the mathematical sides of gifted children. You probably made newspaper hats and paper airplanes when you were a child, and this is a great opportunity to pass that knowledge along! There are also many books available on origami for children, as well as websites geared especially for beginners.
Manipulative games–where the child uses mind and hands to explore how things work–exercise the parts of the brain that deal with sizes, shapes and spatial relationships. Rubik’s Cube is a well-known example of a manipulative game, and there are many other wooden, metal and wire brain teasers. Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of styles and skill levels, and toothpicks are free; look in the library or online for “matchstick puzzles.”
Cooking with your child is a wonderful way to introduce math concepts in everyday life. Young children can practice measuring and counting, while older ones can use fractions (doubling recipes, for example) and stretch their geometry skills (how big a dough circle does it take to line a pie plate?). As a bonus, you can both eat the results.