BOARD GAMES: SELF-DESIGN, PLAYING TOGETHER, AND VALUABLE LESSONS

The annual Board Games festival at Alaska Academy is an eagerly anticipated event for the 4th and 5th graders.

Prompted to “Design your own Board Games, where the rules incorporate the Math and English knowledge learned to achieve the goals of the game,” the Alaskids surprised their teachers by creating unique, engaging, and visually appealing games for the festival.

Using only cardboard, colored paper, markers, stickers, and their creativity, imagination, and teamwork, the Alaskids designed games such as Slay the Day, Snakes and Riddles, Cappy Ladders, Snaropoly, Mathopoly, Math Puzzle, Spud Game, Rule, Key Fraction & Fun, and Demon Math & Ladders. These games heated up the festival with their exciting obstacle courses, accompanied by many surprise gifts and cheerful cheers.

According to Mr. James, the Math and English teacher at Alaska, the Board Games project is the final assignment for the students’ Math and English course. Designing Board Games provides a fantastic opportunity for the Alaskids to integrate mathematical concepts, such as arithmetic, fractions, ratios, geometry, or probability, into their game designs. This activity not only helps students deepen their understanding of Math but also allows them to recognize the beauty and significance of numbers and calculations in life, sparking their interest in exploring and learning more Math knowledge.

Additionally, to make the Board Games appealing and engaging for participants, the Alaskids must establish accurate and attractive mechanisms, rules, and winning conditions for the games. This also serves as a foundation for them to apply their analytical and problem-solving skills.

“There are quite a few Board Games that surprised me because the students not only applied Math knowledge in the game rules but also skillfully decorated and crafted them to look very creative and lively,” Teacher James shared.

As the Board Games Festival comes to an end, the Alaskids eagerly await the next event, where they can showcase their exceptional game designs and continue to explore the wonders of Math.