Building Math and Social Skills Using Classic Games (Part 1)
The cost of ten games each of Mancala, Gobblet, Jr., Checkers and Dominoes, and three Teddy Bear Counters, is $599, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I teach second grade in a San Francisco School. Almost all of my students are learning English as a second language. Recently, I completed a masters program in math education. My field of study involved researching the use of classic games (Mancala, Dominoes, Three in a Row Games, Dice Games, Hex, Fox and Geese, and Checkers) to develop mathematical communication, problem solving, strategizing, and social interaction skills.
I developed a curriculum that drew on games from many cultures and that could be played by 6 - 8 year olds within a twenty-minute timeframe. These games would be taught in the classroom, played in the classroom, and also be sent home with children for at-home experiences with their families. Parent tips for playing the game and ensuring a rich mathematical experience would be included.
My research showed that these kind of experiences help build mathematical understanding, often reinforce mathematical skills, and develop social interaction and language skills. Classic games, which have been a rich cultural heritage for many, are often underutilized or unknown to the new generation of children. Video and computer games, which are often solitary activities, have displaced classic childhood games.
The materials needed for this project are 10 sets of the following games: Mancala, Dominoes, Three In a Row game (Gobble It), Checkers, and game pieces to be used on game boards that are teacher created (Hex and Fox and Geese). This will be directly used in the classroom and sent home with each of the 20 children in class as an interactive family homework experience.
I am excited about implementing this project and with these resources will be able to impart to my students the joy and value of classic games.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. C. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.