The Gist: Turn a basic board game into partner or small group Worksheet Buster.

 

Why Do It?  Students rarely care much about the work they do on a worksheet.  Playing board games to complete their worksheet narrows down how many problems they have to do, increases engagement and motivation, and generally breaks the doldrum of a regular school day.  Board games tend to be affordable and easy to find.

 

Materials:

-Board Games

 

To Make:

1.  Number the game spaces or pieces 1-30.

 

Set Up:

1.  Either rotate partners/small groups through one board game or set up multiple board games around the room.

 

To Play:

1.  Distribute one copy of the worksheet to each student.  For most board games, students would complete the problems they land on.  For games with pieces like Jenga, students complete the numbers they select or pull out.

2.  Play continues until someone "wins" the game.

3.  Optional: Groups can rotate through the other games to continue the worksheet.

4.  Students turn in their worksheets for the teacher to grade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caution and Tips:

-Some games may require adjusting these directions.  

-Board games turn up in garage sales, thrift stores, etc.  Have friends, family, and colleagues look around for you.  Missing pieces may not be a problem when you use games this way!

-Students who cannot comply with your expectations should complete the entire worksheet independently.

 

Variations:

-Variations are practically endless.  You can adapt virtually any board game to this use.

-To get more students through 2-player games, they can play in small teams.  Students would work together on answers.

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See this blog post about using Board Games at home with your own family.