Math Games Played with Cards and Dice, Grades K-1

Math Games Played with Cards and Dice (K-1) is the first volume in the new Galaxy Series. It is filled with fun and motivating mathematics activities and basic skills practice exercises designed to stimulate beginning learners. The Galaxy Series is not intended as a comprehensive elementary mathematics curriculum. Rather, it is intended to supplement any traditional or reform mathematics curriculum with learning activities that are standards based and reinforce already studied skills. Most of the activities use manipulative devices such as cards and dice as the instructional base. All lessons are self-contained and the activities include all score sheets and instructions. Answers and discussion are provided where appropriate. The grade levels for the various Galaxy Series books are suggestions only. The materials conform to the NCTM Curriculum Focal Points recommendations. If a higher level book has activities that fit a particular topic, the teacher or parent is invited to use them as desired. The mathematics topic(s) on which each lesson is based is listed in the Contents of each book. Some teachers will use the Galaxy Series books as Monday or Friday activities or challenge individual or small groups of students who demonstrate the ability to extend their learning. Others will use these books for reinforcement of already-learned skills. All that is needed to use the Galaxy Series is standard playing cards, standard dice, and certain other manipulatives such as calculators, rulers, paper clips, pencils, and paper. The teacher or parent may duplicate the score sheets as needed. The authors hope that these books help promote mathematics learning for all students.