Simply Fun Sumology, The Game of Equations

Want to get those math skills up and running? We gave this a Platinum Award in 2012 and it's still among the best. Sumology is an entertaining game played with wooden tiles that might be called, Scrabble meets Math. Players begin by drawing 8 tiles. Instead of creating words with your tiles, the object is to build equations in a crossword style, horizontally or vertically. You need to connect your new equation to the other tiles on the table and then you can add up the digits in your equations to get your score. The game uses all four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We recently discovered that Simply Fun gives ways to extend the ways to use their games on their website.

SNAP: Simply Fun's website suggests: "Eliminate the multiply and divide operation for children who have cognitive delays until they have mastered the addition and subtraction. Lower functioning children can practice counting by finding the number tiles and placing them in a sequence, one after the other. The adult can help the child use the visual cues provided by the tiles to show them how to count by 2's, 5's, and 10's. " Keep in mind, their website offers tips for using other games in their line — a terrific resource.

Ages: Early School, Tweens

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award 2012