Play Plan : Equations

General Information

• Card deck: Junior cards or standard cards (as per the child’s play level)
• Prerequisites: Counting, number recognition, card game0 , basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Play arena: Standard
• Number of players: 4

Game Overview and Basic Rules for Play

The objective of the game is to be the first to make an equation / to be the player with the maximum number of equations at the end of day (in the challenging version of the game). The game starts with the players all being dealt 3 cards each. Players then take turns to discard the card he does not require and draw a card from the draw pile in the centre to make an equation. The player who makes maximum equations is the winner of the game.

Play Session Plans:

Session 1:

• Before the session: remove all the Kings, Queens, and Jacks from the card packs and make sure the play arena is kept at hand. Now you are ready for the session.
• In this session, it is advisable to make only one equation since it is the children’s first time playing the game.
• Explain the game to the children. Tell them that they are going to make an equation from their cards. Whoever makes an equation first wins the game.
• It might also be necessary to explain what equations are and what operations are involved. For example:
  • 3+2=5
  • 8-2=6
  • 2*2=4
  • 10/5=2
• Now, hand the card pack to one of the children and ask him/her to deal 3 cards each to all participants.
• The child who starts the game, discards the card he does not require and picks up a card from the draw pile in the centre. Then, as each child takes turns, they check the discarded card, check their cards to see if they need it, and makes a decision as to whether or not they need it. If they do not need it, they pick up a card from the draw pile and make the same decision. They either keep it and discard one of their own cards instead, or leave it on the discard pile for the person next to them.
• Gently guide the children in making equations from their cards.
• Some children might be comfortable in making equations, while some others may need help to make an equation. Help those who do not know how to form an equation from their cards.
• The game ends when any child makes an equation.
• If time permits, play 2-3 more rounds of the game.

Session 2:

• Ask the children if they remember the game.
• If there are any students who were absent from the previous session, ask the children to explain to him/her what the game is all about.
• When you think the children are clear about the rules, start playing. This time sit back and only help where absolutely necessary. Let the children figure out on their own.
• Make sure the children are able to make an equation from their cards. Help those who are not being able to do so.
• Play some more rounds of the game, while ensuring that you are more of an observer than a teacher.

Session 3: 

• Play 2-3 rounds of the game as before.
• Now, introduce a small change in the way the game is played. Deal all the cards to the players, the first child who plays, throws down a card he does not need in the discard slot. The player next to him checks if he requires it and picks it up if he does. If he does not require this card he can miss the turn. If he does pick up the card, he should discard something else in its place. The play continues until a child has no card to discard without breaking an equation. When this happens every child shows their equations to the rest of the children and the child with the most number of equations wins the game.