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response to game inquiry
Posted:
Jun 19, 1995 2:07 PM
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In response to my postings of last week, a 6th grade teacher wrote:
>>I read your posting and was very interested in the "game" you described
>>using cards and dice. I would be very interested in having more details on
>>the set up for the cards and the types and numbers of dice per game.
>>First of all, does it matter what numbers go on the cards? How many cards
>>are included in each game set?
It DOES matter what numbers are on the cards. The Numbers Challenge Game has
24 different cards, each with four single-digit numbers. The numbers on each
card can be manipulated to equal every target number between 1 and 24. This
is by design of the manufacturer; there IS an answer to each challenge!
>>Are the dice standard dice? How many of these per set?
The dice are NOT standard dice. There are four equal-frequency dice, and the
numbers on the dice determine your target number. One die can roll 1 to 6;
one combination of two dice equals 1 to 12; another combination equals 1 to
18; another equals 1 to 24. Thus there are four levels at which Numbers
Challenge can be played. The dice create the target number by random, which
increases the challenge and interest of the game.
>>I enjoy using games in my sixth grade classroom, but only if they truly
>>involve some required thinking. If the students don't know that, so much
>>the better. Thank you for your time.
A local teacher we know has used this game for years in her class. Each
morning she posts one 4-number card. First thing when the kids arrive, she
rolls the dice & determines the target number. Then the kids work like crazy
to figure out the proper equation. The great thing is, THE KIDS NEVER GIVE
UP. They really get into the spirit of it and have fun trying to get the
answer. There was one boy in her class last year who was very quick and
always got the answer first, so to give the other students a chance to be
first, she started requiring him to come up with TWO equations to reach the
target number. That slowed him down a bit & allowed others to be first
sometimes.
Jan Thompson, Director of Scholastic Programs
Kaidy Educational Resources
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