Studies Show: Fun Math Boosts Skills — And How to Use It at Home or School
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Parents and teachers often ask a simple question: What actually works to help children enjoy math and learn it faster? A growing body of evidence points in a clear direction — playful, varied practice (games, short tasks, manipulatives, and spaced review) improves both achievement and motivation in primary children.
Below, we summarize key findings from recent studies and show how to apply them in daily routines, with examples from our new Diavolo Books title, Math Exercises (5+), which was developed around these evidence-based principles.
1) Game-based learning improves outcomes and motivation
Multiple reviews and trials link game-based math with better achievement and engagement in early learners. A 2024 review reports moderate to large effects of game-based approaches on cognitive outcomes and motivation in young children.
Randomized and quasi-experimental studies echo this: interactive/math game interventions for early years have delivered significant learning gains over business-as-usual practice, including UK-based and international trials.
Takeaway: Short, repeatable math games — including classroom staples like Bingo, dice games, and quick quizzes — can turn practice into progress.
2) “Bingo”-style activities can lift achievement
A controlled study using a Bingo game instructional strategy with Grade 3 pupils found higher post-test math scores than traditional methods. While contexts differ, the result supports using structured game formats to make practice sticky.
Takeaway: Rotating Bingo rounds for number facts or simple word problems is a research-supported way to build fluency without pressure.
3) Hands-on visuals (manipulatives & representations) deepen understanding
The Education Endowment Foundation summarizes extensive evidence that manipulatives and visual models help children grasp abstract ideas when used purposefully (e.g., tens frames, number lines, arrays).
Takeaway: Pair concrete tools with clear visuals and language to bridge from “doing” to “thinking.”
4) Spaced & retrieval practice beats cramming
Studies in maths show that spacing practice across days and using short recall checks leads to better test performance and longer-term retention than massed, one-sitting practice.
Takeaway: Keep sessions short and frequent, mixing old and new problems, and revisit topics over time.
How to apply the evidence (simple routine)
Daily 10–15 minutes: one quick warm-up, one focused task, one game round (Bingo/dice/flash challenge).
Use visuals first: start with number lines, tens frames, arrays; then link to symbols.
Space it out: revisit yesterday’s skill for 2 minutes before moving on.
Celebrate wins: a progress tick or sticker keeps motivation high.
How Math Exercises (5+) puts the research to work
We built Math Exercises (5+) around the practices above so families and classrooms can use them without extra prep:
Game-ready pages for Additions, Subtractions, early Multiplication & Division, number bonds, place value, and patterns — designed for fast, focused sessions (supports spacing/retrieval).
Printable / replayable Math Bingo sets to make fluency practice exciting (aligns with evidence on game-based learning and Bingo-style formats).
Visual models on-page (tens frames, number lines, arrays) that help children move from concrete to abstract thinking (EEF guidance).
Short, confidence-first tasks paired with optional partner games to boost motivation and reduce anxiety (supported by game-based research).
Use it as morning work, homework without battles, small-group practice, or home learning. Most activities fit in 10 minutes, making it easy to keep practice frequent and fun.
Sample 15-minute session (evidence-aligned)
Warm-up (2–3 min): Quick number-bonds flash.
Focus (8–10 min): One page on addition within 20 using tens frames.
Game (3–5 min): One Math Bingo round using today’s sums; announce strategies kids used.
Review tomorrow: Start with two items from today (spaced retrieval), then move on.
This routine mirrors the spacing effect, adds retrieval, and keeps motivation high via game elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is it best for?
Best for 5–7 (helpful a year either side for review or extension).
Do I need special materials?
Just pencils and, for some games, dice. Bingo cards are printed on the pages.
Is this UK or US friendly ?
Both — we use clear, international language and visuals.
Can I use it for interventions or small groups?
Yes — the short pages and visuals are ideal for targeted, bite-size practice.
Bottom line
Studies show that when children learn through games, visuals, and short, spaced practice, they gain skills and enjoy math more. If you’re ready to try a routine built on that research, explore Math Exercises (5+) — a playful, parent- and teacher-friendly way to build strong foundations one small win at a time. Get the book Here