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SNEAKY SNAKES!



Hi All,

Here's a great addition, subtraction, probability, mental math, and strategy game for Grades KG - 2. Although many older kids (and adults) like it too. It's adapted from the book, Young Children Reinvent Arithmetic by the brilliant Constance Kamii.


This is one of those games that appears simple, but has depth and promotes strategy and mental math.



Basically, partners are each given 10 pennies or bingo chips, a pair of dice or number cubes, and their own game board, which gives each partner their own snake. The object of the game is to cover every number on your snake by rolling dice and then choosing to either add or subtract the two resulting numbers to create a sum or difference that you then cover on your board.



For example, if I roll a 6 and a 3, I could either add 6 + 3 and cover the 9, or subtract 6 – 3 and cover the 3.



If an answer is already covered and the player cannot use that roll effectively to cover anything, they pass.



As play gets into the later stages, and there are less numbers uncovered, it is often a good idea to allow players to “preset” one cube or die on any number they wish and then roll the second cube. This move alone requires some strategy, consideration of probability, and knowledge of basic facts.



This is a good game to debrief and analyze with students after play. Ask questions such as:

What numbers are most difficult to roll? Why?

Which numbers are occurring most often? Why?

What operation should you choose if you get a double? Why?

If you wanted to cover a 9 and were allowed to preset one die, what number would you put it on? Why?

Kids usually like to color in their snake and then get their board laminated for long time repeated. Because you know they're going to want to play it again! 

Here's the link to the pdf board and instructions sheet.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19g5VkA7REVbu4Kka2CcW2wbitReAHu-u/view?usp=sharing

Take care, stay safe, may the Math be with you! :)
Bob


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