Lorraine Jean Hopping • Hopping Fun Creations

My bestselling teacher book is a lively collection of games that reinforce all the important math skills (grades 3-6): computation, fractions and decimals, geometry, probability, logic and problem solving, and more.

The games are suitable for classroom, small group, and two–player use. Several solitaire and self–checking activities and reproducibles are included.

All games are complete and ready–to–go, with reproducible boards, spinners, game pieces, rules, and teaching notes.

A few favorite games:
Skyscraper Run-Up Relay Race (computation)
Bargain Chasement (money math)
Remainder Raccoon (division)
Factor Bowling (factors and multiples)
Gopher Golf puzzle (computation)
Creepy Crawly Fraction Game
Decimal Dive
Probability on Ice: "Skate" a safe routine by choosing maneuvers with the lowest odds of falling and the highest possible score.

Topics include computation, geometry, problem solving, logic, patterns, algebraic thinking, and more for upper elementary and middle schools students.

Each puzzler includes "Think About It" tips and an optional "Big Fat Hint" for solvers who get stuck. Once students master a puzzle format, they can move on to more challenging puzzles of the same type.

I tested these puzzlers with fifth and sixth graders and, though some kids found them challenging, they didn't want to quit until they "got it."

Here's a review by Eleanor Ennis in the journal Teaching Children Mathematics, including some creative ways to use the puzzles in a classroom:

This assortment of reproducible puzzles that build essential mathematics skills is divided into three chapters: "Numbers and Arithmetic," "Geometry and Coordinates," and "Logical Thinking." Each puzzle includes simple directions and "Think about It!" hints to guide students' thinking. Intriguing problems keep students probing and discussing long after a solution is found.

This resource could be used for interactive bulletin boards on which puzzles are posted each morning and students solve them by the end of the day. The puzzles could also be given to students who arrive early or finish their work before others. A weekly puzzle contest between teams of students would be fun and would serve as a natural way to have students work cooperatively. I think that this book would be a valuable addition to any mathematics teacher's library.

"Ready, Set Roll! Math Learning Cube Games" includes four colorful dice and rules and teaching notes for addictive math games that kids like to play just for the fun of it.

PUBLISHERS: Contact me about producing a fresh and fun book of dice games for children.