Inside: Directions for making and playing a Beach Ball Math Game.
Every time I passed out a worksheet I could hear the groans and mumblings from the students. Even I was mumbling at the thought of grading them. But when we played a game, the atmosphere became electrified! Let's fire up your students with a game of Beach Ball Math.
Fire up your students with a game!
Since this game involves 1) a ball and 2) middle schoolers, you will want to model how they can get the ball from one student to another. You wouldn't want the balls rolling out of their group, bouncing off someone's head, or becoming a game of dodgeball.
◈ Materials to Create Your Beach Ball Math Game:
☑ beach balls or other type of medium size ball (1 for each small group)
☑ permanent marker
☑ math problems for skill you want to practice or review
A beach ball from the dollar store works great.
☑ scrap paper
☑ pencil or white board & marker
☑ answer key per group if you wish
◈ Before Play Can Begin:
☑ If you have beach balls, blow each one up.
☑ Write the math problems in various places on the ball.
This game can be used with many math skills.
◈ Game Rules:
☑ Students are divided up into small groups and seated on the floor.
☑ Ball should be rolled (or gently tossed) to someone who hasn't had a turn. **Be sure to go over ground rules when things are rolled or tossed in class.**
☑ Student solves the problem closest to their right thumb (or whichever hand/finger you choose). The problem should be checked by neighbor on their right or left.
☑ Student with the ball should then roll the ball to another student in the group who hasn't had a turn yet.
☑ Play until desired time is up.
Easy to create - CHECK!
Easy to play - CHECK!
Electrified atmosphere with engaged students - CHECK!
Easy to play - CHECK!
Electrified atmosphere with engaged students - CHECK!
You can find other math game ideas in the posts linked below.
➼ Zap Some Excitement into Math
➼ Musical Chairs with Task Cards
➼ Cake Walk Math Style
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