Kindergartners Discover the Power of Play with Hands-On Math Game, 9/3/2026

Learning looks a little different when it comes wrapped in a game, and kindergarten students in Ms. Anderson's classroom at La Vista West Elementary got to experience that firsthand this week. As part of their math instruction, students worked through a workbook-based game that had them counting to five, practicing comparative vocabulary like "more" and "less," and following multi-step directions displayed on the board.

The activity may have felt like simple fun, but it was carefully designed to build foundational math and literacy skills. Counting practice reinforces number sense, while vocabulary like "more" and "less" lays the groundwork for later comparison and estimation skills. Following sequential directions also strengthens listening comprehension and working memory — skills that carry over into every subject area.

Beyond the academic content, the game gave students a chance to interact with classmates, take turns, and problem-solve together, supporting the social-emotional development that is just as critical in the early elementary years as academic growth. Play-based learning like this engages memory, attention, and reasoning as students figure out how a game works, all while making school an enjoyable place to be.

At La Vista West Elementary and across Papillion La Vista Community Schools, educators continue to find creative ways to blend rigorous academic standards with developmentally appropriate, engaging instruction — proving that some of the most effective learning happens when students don't even realize how much they're absorbing.