The comprehensive review of research conducted over the past 23 years suggests that number-based board games have a significant positive impact on young children’s mathematical skills. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Early Years, found that board games like Monopoly, Othello, and Chutes and Ladders can improve counting, addition, and number recognition abilities in children aged three to nine.
The researchers emphasized the importance of supervised board game sessions as part of educational programs or interventions. These sessions, conducted a few times a week, were led by teachers or trained adults. The fixed rules of board games limit players’ activities, and the moves on the board generally dictate the overall playing situation, making them effective tools for promoting mathematical skills.
Despite the known benefits of board games in enhancing learning and development, including reading and literacy, preschools rarely incorporate board games into their curriculum. The aim of this study was to compile available evidence regarding the effects of physical board games on children.
The review analyzed 19 studies published from 2000 onwards, with participants ranging from three to nine years old. In most studies, children received special board game sessions, typically twice a week for 20 minutes over a period of one-and-a-half months. These sessions were led by teachers, therapists, or parents. Some studies compared number board games with non-numeracy-focused board games, while others allocated different types of number board games to children. The math performance of all children was assessed before and after the intervention sessions, which aimed to enhance skills such as counting out loud.
Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating number-based board games into educational programs can have a positive impact on children’s mathematical abilities. The researchers believe that board games can be easily adapted to include specific learning objectives related to mathematical skills or other domains.
It’s important to note that this information is based on the study you mentioned, and as an AI language model, I don’t have access to the specific details or data of the study beyond what you provided.