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CLASSROOM STORIES / EVERYDAY LEARNING

“My students were acting as if this new math game was the next Fortnite”

Amber R., a second-grade teacher at a public school in Chicago, Illinois, said she was surprised by her students’ enthusiasm after introducing Soliary, a handheld math game she purchased with her own money to help them practice arithmetic.

By Soliary Editorial5 min read
Illustrative classroom scene: two children sit side by side, looking down at a handheld math game held toward them.
SMALL QUESTIONS. SHARED CURIOSITY.

Amber wanted another way to help her second graders practice math. With limited classroom resources, she paid for Soliary herself.

What surprised her was how much it interested the children. Their enthusiasm reminded her of the excitement surrounding a favorite video game.

For parents who know the struggle of getting math practice started, her experience raises a useful question: could a game make that first step a little easier?

A game gives children a reason to begin. The questions give them something useful to practice.

THE BENEFITS, EXPLAINED

7 reasons why math practice
can feel easier as a game.

A reason to start
practicing.

Getting a child to begin can be a challenge all by itself. A game gives the activity a clear goal: answer the question, complete the challenge, try the next level.

That is what stands out in Amber’s story. Her students were interested. The educational sources above explain why engaging activities can help invite children into the learning process.3, 4

More chances for
math facts to stick.

Each question asks a child to work out an answer or recall a fact they have learned. Researchers call that second process retrieval practice. In everyday terms, it means practicing remembering.

In a study of 48 second graders, recalling multiplication facts with flashcards improved recall fluency more than chanting the facts aloud. The advantage was still present a week later.1

The useful memory benefit is specific: getting better at recalling the math facts they practice.

More mental room
for the next step.

Picture a child working through a longer math problem. They need to understand the question, choose an operation, and keep track of the steps. Recalculating every familiar sum adds to that effort.

When basic number facts become easier to recall, more mental effort can go toward the rest of the problem.2 That is why comfortable, accurate arithmetic matters beyond a quick round of questions.

Help them understand the calculation first. Speed can follow with practice.

One question
to focus on at a time.

Read the question. Think through an answer. Enter it. A handheld math game gives a practice session a clear, repeatable structure.

You can sit alongside your child and help when a calculation needs explaining. Asking how they reached an answer keeps the conversation focused on their thinking, as well as the result.

A challenge that can
grow with them.

Soliary includes 24 progressive levels across addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. That gives families a range of questions as their child becomes familiar with different operations.

Start with a level they understand. Give them time to experience success and explain their thinking before moving on. With timed challenges, keep understanding and accuracy at the center.

Less preparation
for busy parents.

Parents have plenty to organize already. Automatically generated questions take one small preparation task off your list.

You do not have to write a fresh set of sums to get started. The game supplies the questions, leaving you more time to encourage your child and help with the tricky ones.

Practice that fits
into everyday life.

A handheld format gives you options: a few questions after school, a shared activity while dinner is cooking, or something purposeful to bring on a trip.

Choose a moment when your child is receptive and keep the session manageable. A routine that fits your family is easier to return to, helping make numbers a familiar part of the week.
Soliary’s white and red handheld Mental Math Game, with its LCD, number keys and OK button.

MEET SOLIARY

Something useful
to play with.

The Mental Math Game brings arithmetic questions and timed challenges into one handheld device. Choose a suitable starting level and give your child a new way to practice.

4math operations
24progressive levels
6–12recommended ages
Take a closer look

It starts with wanting to try.

Amber bought Soliary to help her students learn. Their enthusiasm was what surprised her.

For your family, the appeal may be just as practical: a way to bring some curiosity to math practice, with questions your child can work through and challenges they can grow into.
THE SOLIARY MENTAL MATH GAME

Give their next round
a little more purpose.

Explore the game and see how it could fit into your child’s practice routine.

$32$5946% OFF
Explore the Math Game

Delivery and return details are on the product page.
Sources & article notes
  1. Ophuis-Cox, F. H. A., Catrysse, L., & Camp, G. (2023). The effect of retrieval practice on fluently retrieving multiplication facts in an authentic elementary school setting. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 37(6), 1463–1469. A study of 48 second-grade pupils.
  2. Jay, T., Habgood, J., Mees, M., & Howard-Jones, P. (2019). Game-Based Training to Promote Arithmetic Fluency. Frontiers in Education, 4, 118. A quasi-experimental classroom study of a different arithmetic game.
  3. Lai, A. A Study of Gamification Techniques in Mathematics Education. Paper hosted on Harvard University’s mathematics website. Includes discussion of game design and an undergraduate calculus matching-game experiment.
  4. Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Why Playing Math Games With Your Students Matters. An educational overview that also references Lai’s paper.

This is an advertorial presented by Soliary. Amber’s classroom experience is based on the account provided for this article.

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