A NEW SMALL GROUP MATH GAME!
Small group math games are one of my favorite ways to practice and reinforce the skills we teach throughout the year. However, I need activities that are easy to prep, simple to teach, and engaging enough for students to want to play over and over.
As I worked with six different math classes last year, I wanted a game I could bring out and play with my small groups whenever we had an extra few minutes. I also needed to be able to explain it quickly and have it connect to various standards across multiple grade levels. And so, the Collect 4! series was born. 🙂
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Students work throughout the game to create sets of models for a given concept. They are able to “build” sets based on what the other players in their group have added to the group playing area.
For example, in the Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers game students have to collect: a mixed number, an improper fraction, the word form, and a picture model that all represent the same fraction.
HOW DOES IT HELP ME AS A TEACHER?
It’s really interesting to see which piece of the game my small group students struggled with. Some kiddos could do the mental math to convert mixed numbers and improper fractions very easily, but they struggled with matching up the correct picture model. Others had a hard time finding the improper fraction to match their mixed number. As I watched them play, I was able to take notes on how best to adjust my instruction for the group in the days ahead.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Each game includes at least 10 sets of cards (usually) more for students to use in game play. The cards come in color and grayscale sets for your printing needs. In addition, I’ve included a recording sheet and several differentiated practice pages you can use to assess student understanding.
Once you’ve taught the game once, your students will know how to play all year long. It’s beautiful! I could even send a new Collect 4! game with a sub (as long as I’d taught at least one game prior) and the kids knew exactly what to do. By keeping the rules uniform, the only thing that changes from game to game are the math concepts.
This week, I’ve posted Collect 4! {Counting Coins} and I hope to have it’s sister game, Collect 4! {Counting Money} posted soon. The Counting Money game will include dollar bills, as the Counting Coins game does not.
If you’re looking for a better peek at this series, I also have a FREE sample from my Fractions on a Number Line game below. You can grab it from Dropbox right here! Just click on the picture below!!
Make sure you check out all of my Collect 4! games to find the one your students need!
This game looks like so much fun!! I can see many different ways to use this in my math class!
These look great. Are they editable? We say quarters, not fourths, in Scotland.