Blog Name: runspotrun.com
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Location: USA
Blog Summary: Learning resources for thinking children and their parents
This blog has been active since: August 2006
Post: Board Games and Math Skills / June 10th, 2008
Board Games and Math Skills
Yesterday a kindergarten teacher asked me for information about how board games can help develop math skills.
Here is part of my answer to her.
Naturally the first branch of math that comes to mind is game theory. Basically game theory posits that your best move depends on what the other player does. You’ve probably heard about the prisoner’s dilemma (should I cheat or cooperate) which is a classic example of game theory. But game theory was very important for developing algorithms, so it became important in computer programming. A child might use it in playing checkers: “If I move here, she can jump me, but then I’ll be able to jump two of hers in a row. So it is worth it.” An if, then statement, plus a cost-benefit analysis (more later).
Some strategy games help children develop heuristics, little things they can do to discover what the opponent might have or be planning. Hmm… this isn’t a very rational example, but if you’re playing Scrabble you might wonder if someone already has the Q, and since you have two u’s, you might play one in a prime spot to see if anyone plays a Q on it. Or in Othello, you might try to distract your opponent from a corner-seeking strategy by laying out a tempting side-square opportunity. Clue and Clue, Jr. are obviously logic puzzles and every guess you throw out there is a heuristic for eliminating some of the logical possibilities.
I don’t really know how to play chess, but my husband tells me algorithms and heuristics feature prominently in many people’s play. They have routines for starting the game.
A great many games help players develop intuitions about probability and statistics. “If there are 9 E’s in Scrabble, and 7 are already on the board, it is not too likely I’ll get one in my next turn. Therefore, I should think of a word that won’t need one…” Games with cards and dice are obvious ones for learning probability.
On a more beginning math level, color-coding games help children use set theory to think. “All the yellow ones are mine.” I think in Candyland, you don’t even count, you get a color card and move to the next/closest space of the same color. Of course there is a preliminary-to-counting skill in recognizing “next closest,” but I am not sure that would show up in any measures of math achievement.
Games like Monopoly and Life (I think) require counting, adding, subtracting, and even cost-benefit analysis. “Should I buy the more expensive property and get higher rent or a cheaper one, like near the jail, where people might pass by more often…? Should I buy hotels or more property?” “Would it be better to go to college?”
I am also reminded of the positive affect that playing board games with family and friends gives. Just like it’s the cuddle factor during bedtime stories that imparts a love of reading.
Here are a couple more opinions relating to traditional, commercially available board games:
Family Board Games Build Math Skills by Julie Tiss, M. Ed.
Carnegie Mellon study finds kids’ board games help to build math skills
Board Games and Math Skills
Blog Name: The Real Justin Chandler
Blog URL: http://realjustinchandler.blogspot.com/
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Location: Springfield : MO : United States
Blog Summary: My thoughts, concerns, issues and everything else that comes with living my life.
This blog has been active since: April, 2008
Post: WHEN SCRABBLE BECOMES PHILOSOPHICAL / June 10, 2008
WHEN SCRABBLE BECOMES PHILOSOPHICAL
Tonight, Scrabble at a competitive level took another turn. You may be asking yourself, since when did Scrabble become competitive. I would reference Word Wars as a reference. Jack (my roommate) and I just got into a discussion about a challenge that I had with one of his words. If this isn't boring you already, then it most likely will if I get into what the challenge was.
One of the statements I made was to go "to the fullest extent of the law" and I echo a statement I heard George Wood make on a video he released as the Assemblies of God response to the revival that is happening in Lakeland, FL. He used a quote from a guy at Azusa street and said "We are measuring everything by the Word, every experience must measure up with the Bible.
Some say that is going too far, but if we have lived too close to the Word, we will settle that with the Lord when we meet Him in the air." I thought that was a rather intriguing statement and so I used it in Scrabble.
We will follow the rules and if we are too stringint, better to be that, than to be too loose with the rules. Jack proceeded to call me a Pharisee. Once you start keeping track of wins, friends go out the window.
GAME ON!
