Playing number board games boosts early math skills in young children, UO research reveals
Playing number board games boosts early math skills in young children, UO research reveals
Playing number board games boosts early math skills in young children, UO research reveals
January, 14, 2026
Summary
A new report from the HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice at the University of Oregon finds that playing linear number board games significantly improves young children’s early math skills. Based on a meta-analysis of 18 studies involving preschool through second-grade students, researchers found a 76% chance that brief, 10-minute sessions enhance numeracy skills such as counting, number recognition, and understanding quantity. The games are affordable, easy to use, and beneficial for educators, families, and homeschoolers. Researchers are also designing adaptable number games for children with disabilities, incorporating flexible levels and challenges to meet diverse learning needs, with positive feedback from parents.
Reference
News Staff. (2026, January 14). Playing number board games boosts early math skills in young children, UO research reveals. KPCW News. https://kpic.com/news/local/playing-number-board-games-boosts-early-math-skills-in-young-children-uo-university-of-oregon-research-reveals