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Trading Game from Patterns in Arithmetic:Book 1 - Parent/Teacher Guide - Page 19.

Purpose

To develop or reinforce concepts of place value and to form a basis for regrouping. Students love to play this game and math should be fun. During the game students find patterns, look for relationships, make predictions, and solve problems.

Materials

One die, colored blocks (start with four and eventually use ten colors), or any other counters.

Game Plan

Start with four colored blocks. It doesn't matter what color but for the purpose of explanation these colors are used consistently.

Set four different colored blocks in a row. Arrange the blocks so the first unit is on the right, corresponding to place value getting larger when moving to the left.

The green block is the starting color. In this game three is the trading amount.

Three green blocks trade for one red block.

Three red blocks trade for one blue block.

Three blue blocks trade for one yellow block..

How to Play

The object of the game is for everyone to get at least one yellow block. Students take turns rolling one die, getting the first color and then tradingwhen ready. After students get one yellow block they can accumulate more while others are getting their first yellow block. Play for three yellow blocks when students are more experienced.

Roll one die to see who starts first; the lowest roll goes first. On her turn, the player rolls one die. That player asks the banker (in the beginning, the teacher) for as many green blocks as the number on the die. That student will decide if she can trade or not. If she has three or more greens, she will trade for as many red blocks as she can. Other students should not tell whether or not there is a trade to be made. Each student needs to have the chance to think for herself. On each successive turn, the players get as many greens as rolled on the die. Trades are made if any are required.

Sample Game

T "If I roll a two, I will get two green blocks." The teacher takes two green blocks.

T "On my next turn if I roll a five, what do I get?"

S "Five."

T "Five what?"

S "Five green."

T "Yes, five green blocks because you always get the starting color. Now I have seven green blocks. The'trading number' is three. Lauren, you've played before. What do I do?"

S "You pay three green for the next color. You get one red for three greens."

T "Yes, so I trade in three green blocks and I get one red block. Can I make any more trades?"

S "You can trade three green blocks for a red, but that's all."

T "So I trade three green and get one more red. How many of one color to make a trade?"

S "Three."

T "I want to get one yellow block. We'll play until everyone gets at least one yellow. Does everyoneunderstand? Let's play."

Variations

Change the trading number; for example, four, five, and/or six.

Change the amount of blocks and the color arrangement of the blocks.

For base five use pennies, nickels, and quarters. Trade to five quarters. Use two dice for larger amounts.

Money Exchange - Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars.

Play with Pattern Blocks - Green triangles are the basic trading units.

Play for 5 hexagons.

Base ten - play with pennies, dimes, and dollars, or with base ten blocks.

Don't trade in with each play and watch the blocks accumulate. Look for patterns.

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