Equations are the foundation of mathematics. In order to play "The Number Ladder Game," students create equations as they "climb" the rungs. They deepen their understanding of equations as they play.
At first glance "The Number Ladder Game" may seem very simple, because climbing the first few rungs isgenerally easy for most students. Soon, however, a player finds him or herself looking for more complex ways to use the assigned numbers as s/he strives to reach each next rung. For example, it's not uncommon for even young players to come up with equations as advanced as this one: [(5 * 6) / 2] + (3 - 1) = 17
* Note: the computer recognizes * (not "x") as the symbol for multiplication and / (not "รท") as the symbol for division.
You will notice that there are NO operation signs assigned in the game. Looking at their electronic cards, players are allowed to make whatever connections they can among their numbers. By necessity, the farther up the ladder they climb, the more intricate their math thinking becomes.
We offer the game at three different play levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Challenge. The game is easier or more challenging to play depending on how many number cards one has available. The Beginner level assigns 10 numbers at random, and players use as many of those numbers as they need to make each equation. (We recommend that students start at the Beginner level until they get comfortable with the game.) The Intermediate level assigns 8 numbers with which to play, and the Challenge level assigns only 5 numbers. (Advanced players may choose to give themselves an extra challenge by using ALL FIVE of the Challenge numbers for each equation. We call this the "Super Challenge.")
Students and adults enjoy playing
this game individually and in groups. We advise you to go over the
rules
together with your younger children, to ensure that they understand the
mechanics of the game before they begin to play.
FRACTIONS
For those
of you who are looking for educational games to help your children learn
fraction concepts,
Fraction Jugglers
is now available. Offering 19 different fraction games, the book
is designed for students at all levels. In simple language, the text
teaches how to identify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.
Equivalent fractions, common denominators, improper fractions, mixed numbers,
and simplification of fractions are all thoroughly explained along the
way. The colorful fraction chart helps students recognize equivalent
fractions, and a special deck of 86 fraction game cards comes packaged
with the book. Teachers who use Fraction Jugglers games in their
classrooms say their students pick up fraction concepts almost without
realizing it.