Synopses & Reviews
It's Math and It's Fun!
From 1+1=2 to E=mc2, equations are at the heart of mathematics. And making equations fun is at the heart of NUMBER JUGGLERS. An innovative approach that works for kids of all different skill levels, NUMBER JUGGLERS offers 20 games plus variations that encourage children to think, reason, and create with numbers. Played alone, in groups, in teams, or with the whole family, these equation games are based on every child's intuitive understanding of how numbers relate to one another. And since there is no "right" way to achieve success, kids invent their own open-ended learning experiences while building mental-math techniques and problem-solving strategies.
A Sampling of Games and Skills:
The Times Square Game: The art of multiplication, with a table for help
The Operation Game: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide, all in the same game
The One Equals One Game: How to use parentheses to make equations within equations
The Column Game: Use your numbers as digits and see how high-or low-you can go
The Hit the Jackpot Game: Learn the importance of zero
Synopsis
Developed by learning specialist Ruth Bell Alexander,
Number Jugglers: Math Game Book and Math Game Cards is the innovative game that the whole family can play to encourage children to think with numbers, and have great time doing it. Combining a custom-designed deck of 86 number cards with a full-color book of 20 games,
Number Jugglers uses the author's unique equation approach to teach fundamental math concepts. The games are open-ended; can be played alone, in a group, or in teams; and, best of all, are adaptable for all ages of children, from kindergartners learning to count to middle schoolers on the verge of algebra. There are no right answers, just as there are no barriers to start playing. Instead, the games tap into every child's intuitive understanding of how numbers relate to one another, and build on this innate knowledge to develop more and more confidence, problem-solving skill, and creativity.
67,000 copies in print.
About the Author
Ruth Bell Alexander, who holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard, is an education consultant at elementary and middle schools in the Pacific Northwest. She is also a co-author of, among other books, Our Bodies, Our Selves and Ourselves and Our Children. The mother of two, Ms. Alexander lives with her family in Oregon.
Table of Contents
Preface for Parents and Teachers
Introduction
THE NUMBER LADDER GAME
NUMBER LADDER CHALLENGES
That's Odd!
THE ODD AND EVEN GAME
TRICKS and IDEAS FOR GETTING MORE POINTS-
The Golden Rule of Equations
THE EQUATION GAME
THE MAKE A NUMBER GAME
THE WIN IT! GAME
TRICKS and IDEAS FOR GETTING MORE POINTS-Use 1 for More Fun
THE MAKE 10 GAME
Be a Number Doctor
Parentheses
THE OPERATION GAME
THE ONE EQUALS ONE GAME
THE NINE-LINE PHENOMENON
Times Square
THE TIMES SQUARE GAME
THE GOLDEN RULE GAME
TRICKS and IDEAS FOR GETTING MORE POINTS-Use Zero Without Fear-O
THE DEAL SIX CHALLENGE GAME
It's Digit-al
THE COLUMN GAME
Oh Momma, I Need a Comma
THE COUNTING GAME
THE SKYSCRAPER GAME
THE MAKE 100 GAME
The Importance of Being Zero
Ten Makes It Easy
THE HIT THE JACKPOT GAME
Ten Does It Again!
THE GOING BANKRUPT
THE NUMBER GRID GAME