What is Online Playful Math?
Online Playful Math connects educators and students in real-time, providing a platform to develop mathematics skills in an interactive, playful way.
How does it work?
Intended for elementary educators and students, Online Playful Math uses a combination of Zoom and an online card playing platform to engage students in math card games. Online Playful Math creates an environment for educators to observe students and respond to their mathematical needs. Most importantly, it provides opportunity for spontaneous math learning that emerges as a result of game play. Online Playful Math supports a number of math skills, including numeracy, spatial reasoning and algebra.
Play-based Teaching
Approaching math education through play is an authentic way to challenge students to think about math concepts. A child can learn by doing the math on their own or by interacting with the children they are playing with. This also develops early social skills. Play also provides choice to children, sustaining interest and curiosity, as well as offering the opportunity to try new strategies without the fear of consequence. Children can think about the math as complicated or as simply as they’d like, depending on their level of development.
Educators Can Use Online Playful Math
The Robertson Program hosts workshops to introduce educators to Online Playful Math. Educators are equipped with the skills to effectively use the platform. This includes discussion with fellow educators about the learning opportunities for students embedded in the Robertson Program-designed card games. Online Playful Math is intended for all educators – classroom teachers or educators who work one-on–one with kids.
Activities
The activities below have inspired many of the card games educators and students play as part of Online Playful Math. Explore the lessons to gain an understanding of the rich math behind Online Playful Math.
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Interested in Online Playful Math?
Questions?
If you are interested in learning more about Online Playful Math through The Robertson Program, please contact us at robertson@utoronto.ca.