In today’s blog post, I share 10-holiday gift ideas to enhance math skills. Did you know that logic and reasoning directly affect math skills? Have you ever been helping your child with their math homework, and you keep seeing the “deer in the headlight” look? Chances are they have weak logic and reasoning skills. Logical reasoning uses rational, systemic steps based on mathematical procedures to arrive at a conclusion about a problem. It is the most fundamental and essential tool of mathematics. It helps students understand and justify mathematical theorems. When these skills are weak, higher-order math is challenging. These games increase the process of gathering and analyzing information to arrive at conclusions.
Students today need to develop critical thinking skills to succeed in math and life.
Here are ten gift ideas for all ages. I have added a description and the majority of them are available on Amazon, but I recommend googling for price checks.
- Cat Crimes: 8 years and Up: It’s a new take on classic brain teasers. You get a series of clues that will help you eliminate suspects until you’ve discovered which cat is responsible for causing the mayhem. The mysteries range from easy to complex, so put on your thinking caps and work it through!
- Balance Beans: 5 years and up. Wrap your brain around the fine art of balancing beans! This logic game challenges you to add the correct combination of beans to the seesaw to find the balance. Part logic, part math challenge, Balance Beans can introduce youngsters to elementary algebra.
- Rush Hour, Rush Hour Jr. Rush Hour, and My First Rush Hour: There is a game for every age group starting at 3. Rush Hour was released initially many years ago. It’s a modern take on the classic wooden block slide puzzle. Set up the vehicles according to the challenge card. Slide the blockers one by one to free your zippy red car from the jam. The challenges range from easy to complex. I recommend starting with the actual games with manipulative pieces and then transitioning to the online apps if you want to.
- Gravity Maze: 8 years and up. Don’t lose your marbles! Set up the towers and let gravity do its thing. The challenge cards range from easy to complex, and it’s fun for the whole family.
- Newton’s Tree: Ages 6 and up. Newton’s Tree is a super fun game of balance, skill, and strategy. Build the tallest tree without causing it to tumble down to win!
- Jump In: Ages 7 and up. This game is compact and comes in a portable travel case, making it excellent for on the go. Help the rabbits hop to safety in their homes by jumping over sliding foxes and mushrooms!
- Ticket to Ride New York: Ages 8 and up. A great family game. Race against other players through the busy streets of New York City to visit the most prestigious Tourist Attractions and complete your Destination Tickets to score the most points.
- TOOKYLAND Sudoku Puzzle Game Kids, Magnetic Sudoku Game: Ages 3 and up. This Sudoku puzzle board game is a classic and suitable for developing young children's intelligence, logical thinking ability, and reaction speed. I like this Sudoku board game because of the colorful patterns and four animals of chicken, cow, goat, and elephant, which add a story to the game and bring more fun to the children.
- KANKOJO Brain Puzzles: 7 years and up. There are 62,208 puzzles brain teasers waiting to challenge the whole family. This creative puzzle can exercise children's observation ability and train their thinking; it also can relieve work stress for adults. It is small and also significant to take on the go.
- Pig Puzzle: Ages 5 and up. Help the pigs get home safely. Watch out for the wolf and the lake, which will make the journey more difficult. Choose your challenge, gather all the pieces required and find the correct path to get the pigs back to their houses before the storm! There is only one solution.
Do you have a child who is smart but is struggling with learning? I can help. Click on the link below and schedule a free 10-minute phone call with me and let me help.