I am so excited to be learning from Marian Small tomorrow at her Math Leadership institute. I have been very grateful for the learning opportunities I have had with Kristin Phillips, a lead math learner in the WRDSB, and I hope to add to my knowledge bank with Marian Small tomorrow. I have never felt…
Author: Brian
Books
Book Recommendation: Two Professional and One Personal
by Brian •
I find there are two types of professional reading: Those that inspire, and those that are practical. Unfortunately, I find that I am hard pressed to find both in the same. These next two books fall firmly into the latter category, which are usually more beneficial for this time of year, when finding a way…
Tales from the Past
Tales from the Past: Kindergarten
by Brian •
Early in my career, I was OTing (supply teaching) in a Kindergarten class when a little girl came up to me and asked if I could hold her hair elastic. Being naive, I said “Of Course”. As she placed it in my hand, I noticed it was wet. I asked her what happened. Her response,…
Boardgames!, Language, Math
Codenames – The Next Day
by Brian •
I continue to be impressed by the conversation that Codenames is eliciting in my students. Hearing the discussion on a clue of “Birds:5” was interesting to see how they could connect it to as many cards as possible. I also added in the “0” clue, where I tell them at least one card/concept that is…
Boardgames!, Uncategorized
What’s in a Name?
by Brian •
Name Codenames and Codenames Pictures Players 2 – Lots Play Time 5 – 20 minutes per round Game Style Group Play/Discussion, Clue Giving, Connection Making Codenames is a great party game that makes you consider how different words or pictures relate to each other. You are a codemaster, in a race to reveal your spy…
Boardgames!
TID – Day 30 – Bananas to Oranges
by Brian • • 0 Comments
Name Apples to Apples Players 4 – Lots Play Time As variable as you want Game Style Matching Nouns to Adjectives Apples to Apples is a wonderful little game that takes word knowledge in a whole new direction. Each round, one player is determined to be a judge and overturns an adjective. Each other player…
Boardgames!
TID – Day 29 – It’s Rile Tummy!
by Brian • • 0 Comments
Name Rummikub Players 2 – 4 Play Time 30 minutes Game Style Number Collection Rummikub is a nice little tile collection game. Played like Rummy, you are collecting and laying tiles until all of yours are gone. This is a cottage game that translates quite nicely to the classroom. Direct Curricular Applicability: High – Number…
Boardgames!
TID – Day 28 – After a Long Day of Raiding
by Brian • • 0 Comments
*Warning, this game is NSFS (not safe for school)* Name Red Dragon Inn + Expansions Players 2 – As many expansions as you have Play Time 30 – 40 minutes Game Style Attack and Defend Card Laying I’m going to take a step back from my role as an educator, and just share a game…
Boardgames!
TID – Day 27 – Do You Suffer from Anomia?
by Brian • • 0 Comments
Name Anomia Players 3 – Many Play Time 10 – 20 minutes Game Style Card Laying/Duel The word association version of Jungle Speed, Anomia is a hoot and a half. Each card has a category and a symbol. If, when you play a card, your symbol matches someone else’s on the table, you have to…
Boardgames!
TID – Day 26 – A Complicated Boxing Day
by Brian • • 0 Comments
Name 1960: The Making of the President Players 2 Play Time 90 – 120 Minutes Game Style Strategy Possibly the most complicated of all the games I will look at this month, this is also, if you have the time, the best two player game I own. As a closet history geek, and being married…