Teachers

Learning mathematics is a psychological problem, not one of intellectual capability. The human brain is built to learn, but many externalities interfere with this ability, only a few of which are within the control of a teacher. The primary problem is fear of mathematics. This fear absolutely freezes the mind and keeps it from assimilating data and organizing it into concepts, patterns, and understanding. Fear generates apathy and lack of focus, causing students to give up on mathematics. The Math Gym-1D game system is a valuable tool to help your students overcome this fear.

We chose the game format because it provides a non-threatening learning environment and because the competitive instincts of children (even for play money) keeps them actively engaged with doing math for long periods of time. (Fifth graders and above can play with total intensity for at least an hour, younger children, 30 minutes.)

The Workout squares are the "big money" squares that must be targeted to be competitive. This forces to students to work word problems and computational problems. The game itself does not teach them how to work the problems, and yet the constant practice gives them confidence so they can relax and let their brains work them.