Blokus: A ‘Mathy’ Holiday Gift Idea
It is so easy to go absolutely overboard on the gift buying and giving during the holiday season. In addition to (or instead of) all of the toys, consider giving the gift of learning. I always advocate for bringing back family game night and utilizing games in the classroom. Games are a great way to actively engage children in learning. One of my favorite math games that you may not have heard of is Blokus.
How Do You Play?
The game is quick and easy to learn and it is so much fun! My own children love this game.
Up to 4 people can play.
Each person chooses their color to start with.
The only rule is that your pieces can only touch each other at the corner. No flat edges of same color pieces can touch.
The game ends when no more pieces can be placed down, and the winner is the person with the least amount of squares remaining.
Why Blokus?
Learning is best when children don’t even realize that they’re learning. This is what happens when they get wrapped up in Blokus. They can use strategy, spacial reasoning and persevere in problem solving all without realizing they’re doing it!
Spacial Reasoning - Players learn to see the pieces in relation to other pieces, and how they fit in with the whole.
Encourages strategy use - Players are more successful when they employ a strategy. This can open up meaningful discussions at the table. In the classroom you can have students record in a journal which strategy they used and why.
Area & Perimeter - This board is made up of squares that are all equal in size which makes it ideal for discussions around area and perimeter. It can help students to visualize the concepts and give them an authentic way to discuss.
