by Michael Leppert
Simply Fun offers a video way to learn how to play all 125 of their imaginative and attractive board games. The url above takes you to the main How To Play page where you can select the game’s instructions from the Index. This is innovative and increases the enjoyment of the games, as prospective players can cut to the chase and jump right in to play the game.
Sum-ol-o-gy basic math reinforcement/practice game
Can be played by 2-6 individuals or 2 teams of any number, age 8+ (or younger if familiar with + and – operations.)
Contents:
94 colorful wooden tiles in a solid wooden storage box
6 each of the numbers: 0-9
5 of each operator: +, -, x, ÷
14 equals signs: =
The object of the game is to create valid equations using as many tiles as possible and adding the sum of the numbers used on each turn. The sums are scored and the highest total of sums at the end, wins.
The game includes = tiles and numbered tiles. Each player/team chooses 8 tiles and places them in front of themselves. Each player/team reveals its lowest numbered tile and the lowest of the low begins; the others follow suit and the player makes a valid equation of the tiles – numbers and operators. Once placing the equation, the player adds up the single digit value of each numbered tile. If you played this equation, 1 + 2 = 3 the scoring sum of the turn is 6. 5 – 2 = 3, the score is 10. Play continues until all number tiles have been used. It is a great way for children to practice the 4 operations of basic math, having fun as well. The pieces are appealing, high quality and as a simple refresher, the game will be enjoyable for the adults, too!
ACORN PAWS operation of division with remainders.
3-4 players, 15 minutes approximately, age 7+
99 acorns
7 burlap acorn bags
40 cards of 10 cards per 4 colors
1 skating squirrel
This game contains no numbers, only acorns as counters. It is a little more complicated, than Sum-ol-o-gy, since it deals with division with remainders. In essence, up to 4 players fill 7 small burlap bags with a random number of plastic acorns per bag. The first player empties a bag of acorns in the center of the play area. Each player has cards bearing squirrel paws from 1 to 4, which determine how many acorns the player will collect when played. One card per player is played and the acorns are divided among the players. There are other aspects of the game that make it fun and interesting for seven rounds – the number of bags of acorns. No doubt, children will find the acorns and the burlap bags fun to play with on their own and the game will ingrain division skills as it is repeated.
SHORE SEEKERS – addition and multiplication skills
2 -7 players, ages 7+
Contents:
1 “island” game board
3 dice
7 plastic sea turtles, each a different color
7 turtle color cards
24 clutch cards with drawn turtle eggs on one side
Clutch cards are placed on their designated space on the board “the nesting space”, #21). On his/her turn, player rolls 2 or 3 dice, attempting to reach 7 or below. The player moves his/her turtle that many spaces around the island. Each time the turtle reaches or passes space 21, the player draws a clutch card and his/her turtle lays that number of eggs shown and the player keeps the cards face down. If you roll 3 dice and the sum is 7 or below, you multiply the sum by 3 and move that number of spaces. At the end of the game, the player with the most eggs wins. If the player rolls above a total of 7 on the dice, the turtle has to go back to the beginning space of the game. When a turtle has reached the 7-egg clutch card, play ends. There is also an aspect called “stacking” which is best described in the game instructions. It is entirely possible that from playing Shore Seekers, a child will become intrigued about sea turtles and their fascinating behavior, thus, providing motivation for study, research and deeper understanding.
Simply Fun offers games that are aesthetically pleasing and well-designed, with a learning approach that makes playing them with children more than just an entertaining way to pass time. Visit their website www.simplyfun.com for complete information on their extensive line of board games.