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Review: The Curious Dragons

Logo for The Curious DragonsThe Curious Dragons is a set of board games for children aged between 3 and 5, based on ‘Singapore method’ of teaching maths.

Maths is an abstract subject, and most children are ready to start learning it ‘seriously’ around the age of 6 or 7. Most of my students come to me at the age of 7 and stay through primary school, 11 plus exams and beyond. Many of them have younger siblings, who are very eager to learn maths too. They are keen to be like their older brothers and sisters and especially attracted to the equipment that we use: Lego blocks, white board and crayons, colourful illustrations, etc. So, when parents ask when their younger child can take their first maths lesson, I recommend starting with games. Unlike structured lessons, educational games are suitable for very young kids. They are fun, and a good foundation for more academic maths learning in future!

The Curious Dragons Box Set‘The Curious Dragons’ are the games which I would recommend with confidence.

‘The Curious Dragons’ is a set of board games for children aged from 3 to 5, the objectives of which are to teach a child counting up to 10. The obvious question is: isn’t this an easy and straightforward exercise? The answer is Yes and No.

The problem is that adults often take basic maths concepts for granted and do not suspect the scope for confusion which there can be for a young mind. The most common mistake that parents make is to recite with a child a sequence of number words starting from one and, in many cases, going up to a hundred. For a child this number sequence is meaningless. A child should learn to link the spoken and written numbers with sets of objects. It is also not recommended to go over the number ten, because ten is a unit of another value, which is a new concept altogether, and can be too difficult for a very young child. There is also another curious number, the number zero, which represents nothing.

Board games inside The Curious Dragons set

‘The Curious Dragons’ games are designed with very young children and their parents in mind and will keep you and your child on the right path learning their first numbers. The Box contains 5 games with clear instructions, which look like lesson plans. However, because these are games, you can repeat each ‘lesson’ as often as your child wants; it will always be different and entertaining. ‘The Curious Dragons’ exceeded my expectations in terms of the quality of its design. The boards, cards, objects for counting (dragons’ eggs) are very pleasant to touch, and the colours are amazing. Three adorable dragons have beautiful mathematical names: Deci, Tan and Poly. Very appealing for a child! The games are also durable. Everything can be wiped clean, if necessary.

Parent and child playing one of The Curious Dragons board game

So, if you want to encourage an interest in maths in your child from an early age, buy them these games. It will also give to both of you the chance to spend quality time together during those long winter afternoons.

www.thecuriousdragons.co.uk

Dr. Oksana Kiseleva is a Manchester based maths tutor and a regular author for Mums & Dads magazine.

 

10 thoughts on “Review: The Curious Dragons

  • Karen Usher

    Really great write up about this and something that I’m going to add to my list of things to get my daughter, I really love “Learning through play” children don’t realise how much education they are getting out of it, and don’t mind it. Thank you

    Reply
  • anthony harrington

    great review, certainly something that would appeal to my little Grandson, have bookmarked, thanks

    Reply
  • Dean T

    This looks perfect for a young ‘un, the right mixture of fun and learning. Definitely something I would buy!

    Reply
  • Looks like a great game, my little ones would love it 🙂

    Reply
  • Simone Griffin

    This sounds like a great product and something that would be great for my son!

    Reply
  • paula cheadle

    this sounds fantastic, would be perfect for my niece who is struggling, and will make learning fun

    Reply
  • Carla Mooney

    These look amazing for learning. Definitely going to look in to these for my three kids now. Thank you for the review

    Reply
  • Adrian Bold

    This looks like fun. My nephew is just getting into board games so he would love this.

    Reply
  • Laura Corrall

    The looks so fun. I love games that you can learn through play as the information is more likely to stick. They are likely to want to do it. This would be so good for my youngest.

    Reply
  • Adrian Bold

    This looks like a fun way to learn.

    Reply

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