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Where aata (play in Kannada) and paata (lessons in Kannada) come together to foster learning! Aata Paata is an activities repository for CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) math teachers in India, inspired by Indian traditional games and culture.
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Why Game Based Learning for Math?
Games can be defined as activities that you do to have fun, but besides fun, there are numerous reasons for why game-based learning is a perfect fit for your math classroom! Here are some as described in [The Fidget Game’s website](https://www.thefidgetgame.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-using-games-to-teach-math#:~:text=Fostering Critical Thinking%3A,to think logically and creatively.).
- Reducing Math Anxiety
Math is often perceived as intimidating, especially as the concepts become more abstract and complex. By introducing math concepts through games, we can inspire children to approach these challenging topics with greater enthusiasm!
Image from Freepik
- Active Engagement
In contrast to traditional teaching methods that emphasize passive learning, math games engage students actively, allowing them to apply math concepts in an interactive way.
Image from Pratham
- Reinforcing Concepts
We’ve all heard the saying “practice makes perfect,” and this is certainly true for math! The hands-on approach of math activities allows students to practice skills repeatedly, strengthening retention and mastery of concepts.
Image from Freepik
- Fostering Critical Thinking
Math games foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging students to think both logically and creatively.
Image from Freepik
- Promoting Collaboration
Math games often involve students working in pairs or groups, encouraging collaboration and helping them develop key skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This face-to-face interaction allows students to practice these skills in a safe and supportive setting.
Image from Pexels
- Boosting Motivation
Math games provide a sense of achievement and progress as students overcome each challenge. The competitive aspect, whether against themselves or others, motivates students to seek improvement and take ownership of their learning journey.
Image from Freepik
- Catering to Different Learning Styles
Each student has a unique learning style, and math games accommodate this diversity. Whether a student is a visual learner drawn to colorful graphics or a kinesthetic learner who prefers hands-on activities, there's a math game that fits their needs.
Image from Freepik
Why Aata Paata?
Let’s hear from teachers like you shall we? Here are some insights and quotes taken from a survey on 8 math teachers from India with experience teaching CBSE 7th grade math.
“Having an activity with a new concept really helps simplifying and making the concept more approachable. I feel the maximum resources utilization can be at the introduction of new concept and it can strengthen the conceptual clarity.”
“I feel even if teachers wish to do innovative or game based learning most of the time (90%) they don't have time to plan and even if they do they don't have the bandwidth to look for resources. Having a repository would be beneficial to reach the exact toolkit to supplement their teaching.”
Now to the Activities!
Grades