Group Number Game is a great follow-up to The Number Game or it can be done as a stand-alone small group problem solving task. Super-detailed instructions are below (PDF Download), but here is the overall idea. (Group Number Game is excerpted from Games for Teachers by Chris Cavert & Laurie Frank. I wanted to archive this pair of activities since they go so well together.) NOTE: These are the original instructions where participants are in close proximity to each other. If you need to follow safe distancing, see the adaptation below.
Pairs, groups of three and groups of four can work together on this one. One numbers sheet (numbers 1 to 60) is given to each group, placed face down between the players. If you want to provide a more visual graph to track progress, give each group a copy of 'The Number Games Graph' (found in the PDF). FYI: The graph included in the detailed instructions is different than the one in The Number Game - this new graph has a higher score range and space for 16 attempts (if you really want to push your group into some deeper learnings). You can use this new graph for either activity.
Like The Number Game, the small group must work together to touch each number in sequential order, starting each 60-second round with number 1. Before each round, you will give some time for groups to work out a plan of action. Then, play a 60-second round followed by recording the last number touched. It is customary to play several rounds - at least six and up to 17 if you are using the graph. Common activity Objectives and a variety of Observation topics and Questions are included in the instructions.
Pairs, groups of three and groups of four can work together on this one. One numbers sheet (numbers 1 to 60) is given to each group, placed face down between the players. If you want to provide a more visual graph to track progress, give each group a copy of 'The Number Games Graph' (found in the PDF). FYI: The graph included in the detailed instructions is different than the one in The Number Game - this new graph has a higher score range and space for 16 attempts (if you really want to push your group into some deeper learnings). You can use this new graph for either activity.
Like The Number Game, the small group must work together to touch each number in sequential order, starting each 60-second round with number 1. Before each round, you will give some time for groups to work out a plan of action. Then, play a 60-second round followed by recording the last number touched. It is customary to play several rounds - at least six and up to 17 if you are using the graph. Common activity Objectives and a variety of Observation topics and Questions are included in the instructions.
Together While Distancing
To play Group Number Game while safely distancing, each participant will need a Numbers Sheet. Set out the sheets on the ground or table and have participants grab one while maintaining safe spacing. Then, ask everyone to sit around with his/her group making sure they are sitting at the agreed upon distance from one another (maybe there are spots set out to sit on in designated areas). Ask them to set the Numbers Sheet, numbers down, in front of them before you explain the directions.
As in the original version, groups will have time to plan a strategy then play multiple rounds - you will be timing everyone together. So, all small groups start and stop at the same time. During play, group members will be calling out numbers in sequential order as they are discovered on their sheets. Depending on the plan, this could be random or organized (or start random and get organized). Progress (highest number each round) will be kept by one person in each small group graphing their numbers. (Again, lots more information in the detailed instructions.)
There are two videos in The Number Game post with lots of details about outcomes and leading the activity. Be sure to check out the videos if you are new to these challenges.
To play Group Number Game while safely distancing, each participant will need a Numbers Sheet. Set out the sheets on the ground or table and have participants grab one while maintaining safe spacing. Then, ask everyone to sit around with his/her group making sure they are sitting at the agreed upon distance from one another (maybe there are spots set out to sit on in designated areas). Ask them to set the Numbers Sheet, numbers down, in front of them before you explain the directions.
As in the original version, groups will have time to plan a strategy then play multiple rounds - you will be timing everyone together. So, all small groups start and stop at the same time. During play, group members will be calling out numbers in sequential order as they are discovered on their sheets. Depending on the plan, this could be random or organized (or start random and get organized). Progress (highest number each round) will be kept by one person in each small group graphing their numbers. (Again, lots more information in the detailed instructions.)
There are two videos in The Number Game post with lots of details about outcomes and leading the activity. Be sure to check out the videos if you are new to these challenges.
Super-Detailed Instructions
| groupnumbergame_cavert.pdf |
As a Progression
Whenever I get the chance (and it fits with group objectives), I like to present both of the number games to the same group (i.e., class or team). In most cases this happens when I have more time with a group. My favorite discussions to explore are the pros and cons of working alone and working together. One is not better than the other, it's about understanding when and where alone or together is advantageous or knowing what to expect when you are in situations alone or together (e.g., 'forced' to work alone or together).
NOTE: I can't remember an experience where a small group working together (over time) did not outscore any of the individual scores from its members. Individual scores get better faster, but over time do not improve as much as the group. So, how can you use this information?
Whenever I get the chance (and it fits with group objectives), I like to present both of the number games to the same group (i.e., class or team). In most cases this happens when I have more time with a group. My favorite discussions to explore are the pros and cons of working alone and working together. One is not better than the other, it's about understanding when and where alone or together is advantageous or knowing what to expect when you are in situations alone or together (e.g., 'forced' to work alone or together).
NOTE: I can't remember an experience where a small group working together (over time) did not outscore any of the individual scores from its members. Individual scores get better faster, but over time do not improve as much as the group. So, how can you use this information?
Be well! And, keep us posted....
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
MORE VERSIONS OF GROUP NUMBER GAME
100 Number Tasks - (Face-to-Face) This is a version (a number sheet up to 100) created by Sara Van Der Werf (a very informative and deep dive blog post!). She uses the 'Task' for modeling group work at the beginning of the school year with her math students. After running this activity Sara talks about what group work looks like in math class [and, this of course transfers to group work in other classes]: Focused; Don't get distracted; Heads together, Communicating; All group members are included; Everyone is working; Group makes plans; Helping and encouragement; Groups work the entire time.
AND, Sara also provides two other number sheets that include math formulas - SUPER CHALLENGING!
100 Number Tasks - (Face-to-Face) This is a version (a number sheet up to 100) created by Sara Van Der Werf (a very informative and deep dive blog post!). She uses the 'Task' for modeling group work at the beginning of the school year with her math students. After running this activity Sara talks about what group work looks like in math class [and, this of course transfers to group work in other classes]: Focused; Don't get distracted; Heads together, Communicating; All group members are included; Everyone is working; Group makes plans; Helping and encouragement; Groups work the entire time.
AND, Sara also provides two other number sheets that include math formulas - SUPER CHALLENGING!
Virtual 100 Number Task - Sara & Morgan show us how to do the 100 Number Task virtually using Googles Jamboard (I've set mine up - it's really cool!!) AND, be sure to read the entire post to find out some of the tweaks people shared for online play. (I made my Jamboard with the colored circles so participants move their own circle over the number they had to find.)
Full Disclosure: It took me a good 30 minutes to read through each post and download all the number sheets - IT'S WORTH IT!! (And, then I went off to learn Jamboard to set up my 100 Number Task - another 60 minutes.) Now I'm ready!!
Full Disclosure: It took me a good 30 minutes to read through each post and download all the number sheets - IT'S WORTH IT!! (And, then I went off to learn Jamboard to set up my 100 Number Task - another 60 minutes.) Now I'm ready!!
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