Two challenges educators face when offering board games is group size and child interest. Playing board games has many benefits, but depending on children's skill sets, educators may need to be more hands-on. Begin by making sure each child is interested in being part of the game. It is important to have their attention before giving directions, so they can understand them clearly. If you have a small group, you might want to include yourself as part of the game, take turns with children, and celebrate their attempts so they can understand you are happy to engage and play with them. For large groups, some suggestions are to sort children by age or interest. You may want to begin by playing with the most excited number of children, and then try gathering the rest of the group at a different time to play and having a much quieter or individualized experience.
Each month, a math game is included in the Lillio Learning for Preschool Classrooms curriculum kit. The Math Games cover a variety of math skills, including identifying numbers and counting, patterning, sequencing, and more. For example, the Numeral Tree Math Game that corresponds to our Nature Rocks! theme invites children to find and match a series of numbers. The game can be played competitively with two players, or it can be set up such that the whole group is playing together, taking turns to find and match numbers.
Benefits of using the Math Game
Games are important to the foundation of a child's development and learning. During early childhood, much of their learning is through games and interactions with peers and familiar adults. Young children begin to understand and learn math concepts through movement and environmental stimuli. For example, children learn the concept of "time" through sounds, music, or gestures that indicate it is time to eat, play, or rest. 
Children also learn through the directions or commands we give, such as when we encourage them to share toys: "Leah, you have two dolls, please give one to your friend." Through this example and similar situations, children explore math concepts such as adding, subtracting, and even division!
By playing Math Games, children develop the ability to solve problems, think carefully, follow rules and limits, learn the concepts of consequence and reward, review, observe, appreciate cooperative learning, and develop math appreciation.
Cues for Including the Math Game in Your Daily Routine
- Once familiar with the Math Games, offer them in different play areas for children to engage with on their own.
- Use the Math Games as tools for individualization or to support children in reviewing and retaining essential math skills.
- Package them up and start a Math Game library, where you lend them to families for a period of time to support learning essential concepts at home.