Challenging traditional games

Even so, if we do not have access to manipulatives or technology, we can still rely on other resources that ensure active and participatory learning. Sometimes, the simplest and most familiar games can become powerful educational tools with just a bit of creativity. In this blog post, we explore how traditional games like bingo, dominoes, or the goose game can be adapted to teach geometric concepts in primary school classrooms.

The classic game of bingo can be transformed into an ideal activity to review and reinforce the recognition of shapes, angles, types of lines, or 3D solids. Each student receives a bingo card with different geometric figures (these can be 2D or 3D, depending on the grade level). Instead of calling out the names of the shapes, the teacher gives descriptions (for example: “A figure with three sides and three vertices” or “A solid with a circular base and one vertex”). The first student to complete their entire card shouts “Bingo!”

            Figure 1: example of geometrical bingo.

            Own production. 

Dominoes are ideal for working on the classification and association of geometric figures with their characteristics or names. In this case, we can adapt it in the following way: instead of numbers, each domino has a figure on one end and a property or name on the other and students must put the pieces together correctly, matching figures with their characteristics (for example: square - four equal sides).

Figure 2: example of geometrical dominoe

   Own production.

The traditional goose or trivia game can be converted into an educational board with geometry-themed squares. Each square can pose a challenge (e.g., recognize a figure, calculate a perimeter, point out lines of symmetry, or solve a visual problem). Special boxes can be included (“go back 3 if you don't know what figure it is”, “go forward if your figure has more than 4 sides”, etc.). This game can be played in teams to encourage discussion and argumentation.

Why do these games work?

These games work because they turn learning into an active and meaningful experience. Far from passive memorization, they allow students to participate directly, make decisions, make mistakes, correct them, and learn through the process. By incorporating geometry into playful activities, content is reinforced in a repetitive yet engaging way, which helps students understand and retain concepts more effectively.

In addition, these games promote social interaction and teamwork, key elements for developing skills such as argumentation, active listening, and cooperation. They also allow for activities to be adapted to different levels of difficulty, making it easier to address classroom diversity without losing motivation. Ultimately, playing with geometry not only makes math more accessible and enjoyable, but also strengthens logical and spatial thinking from an inclusive and dynamic perspective.