1) The document discusses using recreational activities like games, puzzles, riddles and quizzes to make learning mathematics more interesting and develop important skills in students. 2) These activities can help students understand concepts, develop skills, and learn vocabulary while building enthusiasm and self-confidence. They also encourage logical thinking and develop positive attitudes towards math. 3) Specific recreational activities discussed include mathematical games, puzzles, riddles and quiz bees, along with examples of each. The benefits of these activities are outlined as helping students with concept development, problem solving skills, and forming positive memories of math learning.

1. Recreational activities:
games, puzzles, riddles & quiz in
mathematics
Dr. G. Jaganmohana Rao
Faculty of Education
MITE, Kohima

2. Introduction:
There are some issues related to Mathematics such as it is a
difficult subject, boring subject; it is a cold, dry and not interesting; and
Mathematics is a lifeless subject. How do these perceptions get rooted?
As Mathematics teachers, how can we change these perceptions? As
teachers we can make Mathematics interesting by using games,
quizzes, riddles, tricks, etc. as learning activities.
Every child deserves to be successful and confident in school life.
Mathematical puzzle, riddle and tricks develop many life skills in
learners required to lead a successful and happy life. Children love
games and puzzles, so learning through games makes learning of
Mathematics joyful and interesting. Following are the benefits of
recreational activities in Mathematics teaching-learning situations:

3. Need of Recreational activities in Mathematics Curriculum and
textbook:
Recreational activity is such a tool which not only help in developing
different mathematical concepts but also help to retain those for a long time
in the minds of the learner and there by help in reproduce them as and when
required.
Whatever good curriculum and textbook are prepared for mathematics
education, its success and the learning of mathematics depends on the
teacher and the way of their classroom transaction in a learner friendly
environment.
Here also recreational activities plays a vital role in developing and
understanding a mathematical concept in an enjoyable way by relating it to
the everyday life activities so that it can be permanently retained and use as
and when necessary. Using Fun and Magic can make mathematics learning
very exciting and interesting. Games provide opportunities for students to be
actively involved in learning. They enable students to experience success
and satisfaction, there by build the enthusiasm and self confidence.

4. Mathematical games:
Games Using games can make mathematics classes very
enjoyable, exciting and interesting. Mathematical games provide
opportunities for students to be actively involved in learning. Games
allow students to experience success and satisfaction, thereby building
their enthusiasm and self-confidence. But mathematical games are not
simply about fun and confidence building.
Games help students to:
• Understand mathematical concepts
• Develop mathematical skills
• Know mathematical facts
• Learn the language and vocabulary of mathematics
• Develop ability in mental mathematics.

5. Mathematical Puzzles:
Puzzle is a statement apparently leading to a particular
answer/result often seeming to be impossible, whereas by means of
deeper reasoning and analysis is found a different answer altogether.
Puzzles are called brain teasers.
By using puzzles, you can make Mathematics learning more
interesting in the class and develop reasoning and logical thinking in
your learners. Here is an example of puzzle, which can be used by a
Mathematics teacher in his class to make Mathematics interesting.

6. Mathematical Riddles:
Questions with clever or surprising answers are popularly called
riddles. A true riddle always asks a question that can be answered
reasonably. The riddle is something different from puzzle. Puzzle is a
mind-game, whereas riddles are world’s oldest guessing games.
A riddle is a statement or question or phrase having a double or
veiled meaning. All riddles are puzzles, but not all puzzles are riddles.
Here, are some examples of riddles that can be used to make
mathematics learning more interesting and meaningful.

7. Quiz Bee:
A school-wide quiz or bee can be a great way to teach students about
certain subjects and test their knowledge. You may conduct a quiz bee
that focuses on one subject, such as spelling or a quiz bee that tests
students on several subjects, such as math, science, and social studies.
You can use a live host for the quiz bee or create a school quiz
bee that can be played on a computer or online. You should also take
steps to ensure the school quiz bee is organized properly and runs
smoothly to ensure it is a great success.

8. A magic square as a recreational activity:
A magic square is an NxN matrix in which every row, column, and
diagonal add up to the same number. Ever wonder how to construct a
magic square?
In recreational mathematics, a magic square is a square grid
(where is the number of cells on each side) filled with distinct positive
integers in the range such that each cell contains a different integer
and the sum of the integers in each row, column and diagonal is equal.
The sum is called the magic constant or magic sum of the magic
square.

9. Advantages of recreational activities:
Following are the benefits of recreational activities in Mathematics
teaching-learning situations:
 Encourage mathematical reasoning and logical thinking;
 Develop strategic thinking;
 Guide in concept development;
 Develop positive attitude towards Mathematics;
 Help to develop construction of ideas;
 Develop a variety of connections with the content that can form
positive memories of learning;
 Improve fundamental operations of Mathematics;
 Help teachers to cater to divers needs of children;
 Help in development of problem solving, critical thinking skills,
decision making skills etc.

10. Thanking You…