Math Monday – Math Mat

We’ve had our Math Mat for a few months and the better Tornado Boy’s math skills get, the more I like it. This is such a great learning tool for him. The games are short and active – darn near perfect for my little whirling dervish.

This is someone else's not so whirling dervish - I didn't get around to taking pictures this time. Besides, mine would be blurry since TB doesn't stop moving!

The mat is an electronic toy that has three math games, each with two levels. Here’s how they work:

• Numbers & Counting, level 1: The game calls out a number from zero to ten and the child has to step on the number as fast as they can.
• Numbers & Counting, level 2: The game calls out patterns, the child must step on the next number in the pattern. Example: 3,2 – they must step on 1.

• Addition, level 1: The game gives addition problems that add up to 10 or less, the child must step on the sum.
• Addition, level 2: The game calls out a problem with a missing addend, the child steps on the answer. Example: “1 + what = 3?” Child must step on 2.

• Subtraction, level 1: The game gives subtraction problems that equate to 10 or less, the child must step on the difference.
• Subtraction, level 2: Find the game calls out a problem with a missing term, the child steps on the answer. Example: “5 – what = 1?” Child must step on 4.

The game increases in speed as the child answers more questions. They can answer a maximum of 20 questions at each level of the game.

One drawback to the mat is that the child really can’t stand in the middle of the mat or they’ll hit the game function buttons. They need to run around the outside of it which seems a little less natural and takes a bit more time. We have definitely found that this is a great way to work on memorizing addition facts. It’s fun and can be used by more than one child if you want a little competition. It really seems much more like play than work.

As much as I like the Math Mat, it would be super easy to replicate the functionality (and even expand the capability) with some chalk in your own driveway. Just draw the numbers (as high as you’d like) as a grid. Then you can call out the problems as you like – any type, and with answers as high as the numbers that you draw. This definitely could be useful for things like multiplication as well. Add some music and a timer and you’ve got a fun, homemade learning game.

If you want more information about the Math Mat, here are the instructions for it.

To see what other kids are working on for math, check out Math Links at Joyful Learner.