NSights: Math Games for Conceptual Understanding: Volume 1

NSights Math Games for Conceptual Understanding is a resource for teachers to use with any mathematics curriculum. The games in this book are developed to support students as they acquire a deeper understanding of number relationships and generalizations that lead to conceptual knowledge and robust procedural skills. These types of concepts and skills are foundational to accessing more sophisticated mathematical ideas.

The learning outcomes for each game are closely aligned to late elementary through high school grades. In some games, there are different levels or versions that may range from simple to more complex mathematical ideas and are, therefore, appropriate for use in diverse classrooms. This will allow you to match the game’s mathematical ideas and complexity to the levels of your students. Sometimes, you may want to review previously learned skills to focus on the number sense ideas. Or, you can use the level or version that more closely fits with the content you are teaching at grade level.

Each game in this volume includes learning outcome(s), instructions, and a recording sheet or game board. Sometimes, suggestions about organizing your classroom (such as playing in pairs or teacher-led) are included to assist you in making the game a success with your students.

The games in this volume are user-friendly and accessible for all students. They have been classroom tested by students and teachers, and their suggestions have contributed to creating games that are highly engaging while at the same time promoting robust mathematical learning.

• Barbara Dougherty, Author

• Fay Zenigami, Author

  Fay Zenigami is a teacher, curriculum developer, and researcher in mathematics education who is delving into storytelling to share her love of her favorite subject. She enjoys the energy, wonder, and belief of young children when they enter a world of fanciful adventures that introduces them to new ideas in a fun way, especially when it’s about mathematics!

• Linda Venenciano, Author

  Linda Venenciano, PhD, is a mathematics educator who is endlessly curious about how children learn to reason and persevere to make sense of patterns and other observations in their world. Linda has pursued these interests through her work as a teacher and a university professor. She is also the proud mother of two daughters who have never been afraid of math.

• Cynthia Twibell, Author

• Lori Ward, Editor

• Byron Inouye, Illustrator