Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.
I imagine your kids are probably like mine, and they would prefer to play games instead of working on their math. I know I would. Well, lately we’ve been having some fun in math with a game by Byron’s Games called Math Sprint- The Mental Math Game. My son now asks if this math game is going to be part of our Fun Friday activities.
Isn’t that cool?
So, why does my son like Math Sprint so much?! Plain and simple, it is fun.
Let me tell you about the game, so you can see if it would be a good fit for your math time.
Math Game for Your Homeschool
Math Sprint is a mental math game for ages 7+. The game is for 2-8 players, which is great so large families, or classrooms, can play together. In the game, players (called runners) try to answer the mental math problems before the other players. If they do, they can advance. It is definitely to your advantage to learn your facts.
Mental Math
So, you may be wondering what kind of mental math problems kids will be answering. There are three main types of problems which come in separate decks.
- Addition and Subtraction- basic facts
- Multiplication and division- basic facts
- Challenges Cards- Word problems and higher-level addition and subtraction problems
Here are some sample questions.
The Object of the Game
The game is designed to look like a running track hence the name Math Sprint. The runners, the players in the game, must answer each mental math problem the fastest to be the first to cross the finish line.
How to Play The Math Game
I have to say this math game is pretty simple to play. Each player chooses a runner as their playing piece. Byron’s Games adds a little personality to each runner by giving them a name and something they are interested in.
For example, if you choose to be the green piece then you are Myra Marcher the soccer player. I think kids will like this little added touch.
Next, players need to decide which deck of cards to use. Younger players may choose the addition and subtraction facts while older players may use the multiplication and division deck of cards.
After the card deck is chosen, you’ll want to decide on the distance. The easier version is 100 meters, then it is 200 meters, and the longest is 400 meters.
One thing I LOVE is that this game allows kids to start at 100 meters while other players start at a longer distance. This way different ability levels can play together.
Once you start playing, it is simple. When it is your turn, you become the “coach” and draw a card. You then call out one of the math facts on the card (there are two to choose from). The other players hurry to answer it first. The person who answers it first moves ahead two spaces. If it is a tie, both players move ahead. It is that simple.
The first runner to reach the finish line wins.
Card Deck
Earlier I mentioned the three types of mental math cards (addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, and challenge cards). You will also find Coach Tips inside the deck. Coach Tip cards give tips on how to solve different types of problems. Take a look at an example.
The tips can be helpful to use while you play the game and later when doing math.
Beware, though. The Coach Tip cards are a pinkish-purple color. However, so are some other cards, too, but they are not tips. These cards can either help you or send you back. Here are two examples.
During one game, I kept drawing cards that sent me back. It got to the point I was almost back to the start! So as a parent, you can decide whether to keep these cards in or not. I like it because it adds a little challenge. However, you know your child best.
The game also gives you extra blank cards and a washable marker to make up your own problems, too!
Extras
Since the game is based on a running race, movement is built into the game. Runners may land on a space that requires them to get up and move. They may have to hop, do arm circles, or run in place. It is a nice feature to keep with the theme, but also gets the active kiddos up and moving a little.
How We Added this Math Game to Our Homeschool
For us, it was easy to incorporate the math game into our homeschool. At the end of the week, we have Fun Friday. This usually involves games. Math Sprint was added to our Friday schedule, and the kids also chose to play it during a family game night, so their dad could play it, too.
My kiddos are both in middle school which some may feel is a little old for a mental math game. However, I found Math Sprint is a good tool to make sure my kids know their facts and are fast with them.
How We Adapted the Game
My son struggled with some of the upper multiplication facts (11s and 12s) and was very slow with the division facts. He does process things a little slower than others, but this math game will help build his fluency and speed.
Since my youngest is slower with mental math, we DID adjust the game.
After we played the game once, I realized my boy couldn’t compete with the rest of the family. Honestly, he had no chance of winning. So after that first game, my son would start at the 100-meter line while everyone else started at the 400 meters. It helped give him a fighting chance, and he has come close to winning.
Oh, remember I mentioned the challenge cards?!
Well, we added in the harder addition and subtraction cards along with the word problems, too. These even slowed down my daughter a little. Doing basic facts in your head is one thing. The larger numbers made everyone stop and work on those mental math skills.
We will definitely continue to keep Math Sprint in our math schedule. It will help my kids sharpen (and keep sharp) their mental math abilities.
Overall, Math Sprint is a fun game to play. I think kids won’t mind practicing their mental math skills with this game. The whole family can play together, or you can play as teams if you have a large group.
I love finding games to add to our homeschool, and Math Sprint is a great math game to have on hand.
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Happy Homeschooling!
