The Game of Nim
Topics: Second Grade, Math
This is a simple version of a pairs game played all over the world. Similar to mancala, this game gives your little strategist the chance to estimate and predict mathematical outcomes. Here's how to play:
- Instruct your child to find 15 small things—for example, buttons.
- On the player's turn, he or she can take one or two buttons away. Take turns doing this.
- The loser is the player who takes the last button.
Eventually, you can teach your child the winning strategy: Just make sure on her turn she leaves 13,10, 7, 4 or 1 objects. Give the game a challenging twist by using a different number of objects or by taking away different amounts.
Your child can teach her friends this game during lunch and be the hit of the cafeteria!
Recommended Books:
Reprinted with permission from "Math Detectives," the book that introduces geometry, probability, ratios, and more! Get your child on the case by becoming a "math detective" with this fun and engaging book. By Lalie Harcourt and Ricki Wortzman (Sterling Publishing, 2003)
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