Lesson Plan #: AELP-ATH0001
Author: Dan Beaubien, Klamath Falls, Oregon Date: 1994

Grade Level(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Subject(s):

• Mathematics/Arithmetic

Procedures:

Number of Players: 2

Purpose: To be the one to say 21.

How to Play the Game:
One person goes first and says the number one or two. The the other player says the next one or two consecutive numbers. Each player chooses whether to say one or two numbers during each turn. The players continue to alternate turns and say the next one to two consecutive numbers until someone reaches 21.

Suggestions:
As the teacher I give the students the choice to start first, or they can let me start. There is no talking except for the players. If someone figures out the strategy or trick, they don’t tell. I choose the players.

Tying it All Together:
This game teaches the math concepts of: sets, division of three’s, addition, and thinking skills. This activity can also be used to build self-esteem and make learning fun.

May 1994 These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center’s Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.