Playing games is fun!
All the primary aged children I work with (and some of the older children) really enjoy playing games. They are a great tool for motivation especially since many of these children find Maths difficult and, as a consequence, do not enjoy the subject, lack confidence and find it boring. However, during my sessions, through incorporating simple games, they often forget they are learning and practising Maths and are surprised to discover how much they achieved! Comments such as 'My son hasn't stopped jumping since you've gone and has asked to see you for 6 hours a day!' and 'My daughter left your house skipping down the street!' clearly demonstrate how games can really have a very possitive effect on both confidence and enjoyment.
Can I use any game?
It is really important when choosing a game to aid learning that the focus is on learning. Simple boardgames are the most successful; games where counters are moved around, or a snakes and ladders type game are very successful. Although the child can be focussed on winning, a game which has only luck, rather than strategy, involved enables the child to focus on the Maths skills they needed.