Engage the Brain: Games, Math, Grades 6-8

This practical resource gives teachers the tools they need to plan lessons correlated to the way the brain learns best. Based on tested, research-based strategies presented in "Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies That Engage the Brain", this book offers a variety of language arts activities that incorporate games to help students make sense of and reinforce learning. These activities give students the opportunity to not only play but also construct and design a variety of games, greatly increasing brain connections to the content. These strategies allow students to master curriculum objectives while actively rehearse information in an engaging, non-threatening atmosphere, which makes a real difference in students' energy, motivation, and achievement."Engage the Brain: Games, Math, Grades 6-8" contains games based on national academic standards for math, including numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Some games are based on old favorites (Wheel of Fortune, Bowling, Rummy, Battleship, Scrabble, Concentration, Scavenger Hunt, Jeopardy, Baseball) and some are brand new, including: Last Number Standing; Target Zero; Bowling for Numbers; Math in the Mall; Value of the Variable; Color Wheel Race; Outdoor Algebra; Polynomial Shuffle; Algebraic Scrabble; Polygon Twister; Gin Rummy Geometry; Coordinate Battleship; Conversion Concentration; Geo-Measure Scavenger Hunt; Out on a Limb; Math Baseball; Math Jeopardy; Stock Market Math.Each game includes one or more learning objectives, a comprehensive materials list, step-by-step information for the teacher on how to prepare for and play the game, any necessary reproducibles (such as game cards, game boards, scorecards), and follow-up activities for extended learning. The games are presented in the brain-friendly lesson formation, including a focus activity, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, and closing.