How do you make repetitive arithmetic exercises engaging for children? By turning them into an exciting adventure where kids practice math skills effortlessly while having fun!
The idea for this math game was developed by Ate de Boer and Marjon Huisman of Rekengames B.V., inspired by the ‘Rekenmuurtje’ (Math Wall) method. The Math Wall organizes exercises into layers, or ‘bricks,’ where each layer builds on the one below. Children focus on strengthening their understanding of the foundational layers before moving on to more complex challenges. Skipping steps can lead to difficulties with advanced exercises, making this step-by-step approach essential.
An Evidence-Based Learning Method
The Math Wall technique was developed by education experts Wolter Danhof and Piet Bandstra to support children who struggle with arithmetic. Both experts played an integral role in creating the educational foundation for Garfield’s Count Me In.
Track Progress in Real Time
While children enjoy the game, parents and teachers can monitor their progress through an intuitive dashboard. Teachers can review performance at both the class and individual levels, while parents can track their child’s achievements in detail.
The Story
Garfield’s friends have been captured by mischievous space dogs! Determined to save them, Garfield hops into his spaceship and heads to the planet where his friends are held captive. There, he encounters curious creatures with numbers on their bellies. Garfield discovers that solving math problems with the help of these creatures brings him closer to rescuing his friends.
Personalized Learning for Every Child
Every child learns differently, and the game adjusts to match the player’s unique pace and skill level. As they improve, they’re introduced to new planets with fresh challenges and slightly more difficult exercises. Each planet offers exciting math puzzles, and the level of difficulty increases gradually. The game is won when all planets are explored, and all of Garfield’s friends are safely rescued.
Collaborative Development
Garfield’s Count Me In was created by Grendel Games in collaboration with educational advisors Wolter Danhof and Piet Bandstra. The game was commissioned by Rekengames B.V., and Grendel Games is officially licensed to use the Garfield character, making learning both effective and entertaining.
Awards
Garfields Count me gained a Silver Award in 2018 at the Inernational Serious Play Congress
Availability
Garfields count me in underwent a visual redesign for the publisher Lexima and is now available in Dutch as Rekenheld.
