I am always looking for new and exciting ways for kids to learn without them realizing they are learning.  I showed them today how to play “Addition Checkers”.  This is played the same way as the game of checkers except they must add the two numbers together before they can move.  If they don’t add it correctly, they have to take that piece off the game board.  In order to play this game, I have asked each child to bring in 12 pennies and 12 nickels (I used the smallest value in coins:).  We will use the money as the game pieces.  One person will be pennies and the other person will be nickels.  If they are able to reach the other side and get “kinged”, they will flip their coin over so they now can move that piece forward or backwards.

Are you thinking why do they need 12 of each?  Well….I don’t know who their partner will be.  Therefore,  if they both have coins, your child can decide which coin they would like to use for their game pieces.  Just to let you know, at the end of the year your money will be returned to you.

Also, if you have a checkers game at home, it would be great if you could teach your child how to play the game.  It will be that much easier for them to play at school when they have to start adding in order to move!  Your child is looking forward to playing this new game that will help them add numbers together quickly.  Thank you in advance for sending in the money so that your child can have fun learning!