Math for Minecrafters: Adventures in Addition & Subtraction
#1 of 4 in Spelling for Minecrafters Series
What’s inside...
Math for Minecrafters is a kid-friendly workbook that uses well-loved video game characters and concepts from Minecraft to make learning math feel more like a game. It is designed to reinforce first and second grade math skills based on the national Common Core State Standards. The workbook includes colorfully-illustrated puzzles and word problems featuring items from the Minecraft Overworld to engage even the most reluctant students. Lessons cover geometric shapes, telling time, counting money, reading charts, and basic arithmetic up to 20. The workbook is structured so that parents and children can skip to pages that suit the child's needs or follow the book from the beginning. The problems increase in difficulty as the workbook progresses, providing a challenging and enjoyable math adventure for learners of all levels. Math for Minecrafters is both fun and educational, making it an ideal tool to help children get ahead academically.
Discussion points
How did the book use Minecraft elements to explain addition and subtraction?
Can you think of a time in the game where these math skills could help you solve a problem?
Which math challenge from the book did you find most interesting or fun?
How do you think understanding addition and subtraction can help you in everyday life, not just in Minecraft?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start a discussion while playing Minecraft together, applying the math skills learned from the book to in-game scenarios.
Encourage your child to create their own Minecraft inspired math problems, fostering creativity alongside their numerical skills.
Relate the math skills to real-life situations to emphasize their importance beyond the game, such as shopping or cooking, using examples that are age-appropriate.
Praise their efforts and understanding as they answer questions to build their confidence and interest in the subject.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Children use addition and subtraction to navigate through the Minecraft world, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: These problem-solving skills can help children approach academic challenges and everyday situations with a strategic mindset.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to build structures and solve math problems, demonstrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others to achieve common goals, a skill vital both in school projects and in family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The Minecraft setting encourages children to use their imagination to construct solutions and explore new possibilities through mathematical concepts.
Real-World Application: This fosters creativity, allowing children to think outside the box in other disciplines and real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: As children encounter difficult math challenges within the story, they see characters persisting and succeeding, teaching them the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Learning persistence through the story helps children to not give up easily in their studies or other areas of interest, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: Solving math problems within the game requires careful attention to details, which is emphasized through the characters' adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson assists children in becoming more detail-oriented, which is beneficial in enhancing their academic performance and in daily tasks requiring focus.