Extreme Math Games for Grades 5-8

Extreme Math Games for Grades 5-8

Extreme Math Games engages students in grades 5-8 with innovative math activities that incorporate sports themes. Designed by Nancy Paulson, these games enhance mathematical understanding through interactive play, covering concepts such as multiplication, division, and geometry. Educators can utilize these games to foster teamwork and improve problem-solving skills in a fun environment. Ideal for classroom settings, these resources promote active learning and collaboration among students.

Key Points

  • Features engaging math games that combine sports and learning for grades 5-8.
  • Includes rules and strategies for various math concepts like multiplication and division.
  • Promotes teamwork and collaboration through group play and interactive activities.
  • Offers assessment tools to track student understanding and progress in math.
  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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Extreme Math Games:
Taking Math to the
EXTREME!
Grades 5-8
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Nancy Paulson
n.paulson.boxcars@gmail.com
P: 780-440-6284 /1-866-342-3386
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2024
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1
Classroom Management Strategies
Maintaining Control of your supplies:
Store the XMG game board flat to preserve its life. Keep
dice and game pieces in small plastic bags, or plastic containers,
organized by like dice.
Use sturdy paper plates as a “field” for rolling the dice. The
plate keeps the dice in bounds and the plate keeps the noise level
of the crowd down.
When passing out the game always pass out the game
board and the game pieces, on the paper plate, to one person in
the group. Accept the supplies back from the student only if they
are all being returned by the same person, on the paper plate. By
accepting all the supplies back from only one person, you can
recognize immediately if you are not getting all the pieces back.
This helps to control classroom supplies.
Grouping students and playing the game:
Play XMG with a given concept for one week, beginning the
first week with the Basic XMG rules. Introduce the game on Monday
and play for thirty to forty minutes on the first day.
Put students into teams of two students. Three teams, play
together: the Home Team, the Visitor Team, and the Officiating
Team.
In the first round the Home Team will play the Visitor Team
for about ten minutes. After ten minutes the teams rotate positions.
The Official team will switch places with the team who leads in the
first round. Play a second round for another ten minutes. Finally,
the two teams who haven’t played against each other, play for the
last ten minutes, with the third team officiating.
After the first day, if you keep the players on the same
teams, you can play for about twenty-five minutes, switching about
every seven or eight minutes. It is not necessary to play 3 rounds
each day. The kids don’t really object if they aren’t able to play a
full rotation, unless it is a tournament situation.
ASSESSMENT
Using the XMG Recording Sheet
We need to be able to differentiate class work from
homework and give students credit for what they do in the
classroom. This is why I expect students to turn in the XMG
Recording sheet on their way out the door.
Since you may have as many as six games, with six students
per game board, being played all around the room, you will have
many different math problems being generated around the
classroom. It would be an assessment nightmare to evaluate every
problem on each student’s paper. This is a perfect opportunity for
an informal assessment.
First, walk around the room and check for understanding
just by observing the student. Carry a clip board with a class list
prepared for just this sort of assessment.
To check for understanding at the end of the playing
period, create an assessment problem and write it on the
board. Ask students to clean up the games and supplies and to
put them where you so designate. Next, they should work the
problem given on the board somewhere on their XMG Recording
Sheet. Have them circle the problem before turning the
recording sheet into you. This becomes their “Ticket out the
Door.” I then evaluate each problem as it is handed to me and
make a note of which students need more instruction on the
concepts.
2
XMG BASIC RULES
These are the basic rules for XMG. You can choose the
mathematical concept you wish to emphasize when playing the
game. The pages following XMG Basic Rules will detail the
necessary equipment and the specific goal for the various XMG
Plays.
Multiplication- Veteran #1
Mathematical Concept:
Multiplication facts to 144
Grade Levels:
3-8
Equipment:
Calculation Dice:
XMG Recording Sheet;
Specific Sport Pieces; and
Outcome Die/dice.
• two 12-
sided dice
Putting it into Motion:
Roll the two 12-sided dice. Write the mathematic
sentence and
product of the numbers shown on the dice.
If the team with who is in possession of the ball gets the
answer correct, they make the next move per the
instructions of the specific Sport.
See specific XMG Rulebook for each game (i.e. Football (XMF),
Soccer (XMS), Baseball (XMB), or Basketball (XMB
2
)) to
determine what happens for the winner of the calculation roll. Each
sport has a different way to move the ball.
Each Sport Specific Instruction Booklet also contains
an Actual Game Situation, to walk a beginner through
the game.
XMG – Not a Speed Drill!
Teams should be grouped mostly heterogeneously, i.e.
mixed groups of different math proficiency levels. This allows
students to learn from one another and it provides a chance to
interact with diverse individuals. Students learn from each other all
the time. You may have a student who solves the problem with an
algorithm formula. Or another student “sees” the problem
differently and may choose to decompose the problem, arriving at
the same solution in a different manner. Fluency with mathematics
is enhanced when students can approach problems in a different
way.
I assign XMG as homework and students take the game
home to play with their families. XMG is a favorite for the
homework bag and often all members of the families want to play.
There are many different levels in the family, both higher and lower
than that of my student. For “Friday Club” I keep a list on the board
of the different ways we have played XMGames. When Friday
comes around, students can choose the version they want to play
from the list on the board.
One key to success with XMGames is to have an accurate
official. Sometimes the official needs to have a tool, such as a
calculator or a basic-facts sheet for reference. You may find that
you want to add a timer, say of one or two minutes, to keep the
game moving.
Younger children can play too!
Lower grade concepts can be played with kindergarten through
2
nd
grades with grade appropriate concepts. The difficulty comes
when it is time to move the ball. Those instructions can be
somewhat confusing for younger students. Have an adult, or an
older student be the referee, checking the math and moving the
ball.
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FAQs of Extreme Math Games for Grades 5-8

What math concepts are covered in Extreme Math Games?
Extreme Math Games covers a variety of mathematical concepts including multiplication, division, geometry, and integer operations. Each game is designed to reinforce these concepts through engaging, sports-themed activities. For example, students practice multiplication facts while playing a football-themed game, making the learning process both fun and effective. The games are adaptable for different skill levels, ensuring that all students can participate and benefit.
How can teachers implement Extreme Math Games in the classroom?
Teachers can implement Extreme Math Games by organizing students into teams and introducing the games during math lessons. The games can be played for short periods, allowing for flexibility in lesson planning. Additionally, teachers can use the provided assessment tools to monitor student progress and understanding. By integrating these games into regular math instruction, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that encourages student engagement and collaboration.
What are the benefits of using sports-themed math games?
Sports-themed math games provide numerous benefits, including increased student engagement and motivation. By incorporating familiar sports elements, students are more likely to participate actively and enjoy the learning process. These games also promote teamwork, as students work together to solve problems and achieve common goals. Furthermore, they help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.
Are there specific rules for each Extreme Math Game?
Yes, each Extreme Math Game comes with specific rules tailored to the mathematical concepts being taught. For instance, the rules for multiplication games may involve rolling dice to generate problems, while geometry games might focus on calculating angles or areas. These rules are designed to facilitate gameplay while ensuring that students practice relevant math skills. Teachers can adapt the rules as needed to fit their classroom dynamics and student needs.
Can Extreme Math Games be used for homework assignments?
Extreme Math Games can indeed be assigned as homework, allowing students to practice math concepts with their families. This approach not only reinforces what students learn in class but also encourages family involvement in education. By taking the games home, students can share their knowledge and strategies, further solidifying their understanding of the material. This homework strategy enhances learning and fosters a supportive learning environment at home.

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