Number Jugglers: Math Game Book & Math Game Cards [Spiral-bound]

Ruth Bell Alexander (Author), Deborah Zemke (Illustrator), Ruth B. Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Developed by learning specialist Ruth Bell Alexander, Number Jugglers: Math Game Book & Math Game Cards is the innovative game that the whole family can play to encourage children to think with numbers, and have great time doing it. Combining a custom-designed deck of 86 number cards with a full-color book of 20 games, Number Jugglers uses the author's unique equation approach to teach fundamental math concepts. The games are open-ended; can be played alone, in a group, or in teams; and, best of all, are adaptable for all ages of children, from kindergartners learning to count to middle schoolers on the verge of algebra. There are no right answers, just as there are no barriers to start playing. Instead, the games tap into every child's intuitive understanding of how numbers relate to one another, and build on this innate knowledge to develop more and more confidence, problem-solving skill, and creativity.

67,000 copies in print.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

It's Math and It's Fun!

From 1+1=2 to E=mc2, equations are at the heart of mathematics. And making equations fun is at the heart of NUMBER JUGGLERS. An innovative approach that works for kids of all different skill levels, NUMBER JUGGLERS offers 20 games plus variations that encourage children to think, reason, and create with numbers. Played alone, in groups, in teams, or with the whole family, these equation games are based on every child's intuitive understanding of how numbers relate to one another. And since there is no "right" way to achieve success, kids invent their own open-ended learning experiences while building mental-math techniques and problem-solving strategies.

A Sampling of Games & Skills:

The Times Square Game: The art of multiplication, with a table for help

The Operation Game: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide, all in the same game

The One Equals One Game: How to use parentheses to make equations within equations

The Column Game: Use your numbers as digits and see how high-or low-you can go

The Hit the Jackpot Game: Learn the importance of zero

About the Author

Ruth Bell Alexander, who holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard, is an education consultant at elementary and middle schools in the Pacific Northwest. She is also a co-author of, among other books, Our Bodies, Our Selves and Ourselves and Our Children. The mother of two, Ms. Alexander lives with her family in Oregon.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Spiral-bound: 80 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company; Book and Access edition (January 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761108823
• ISBN-13: 978-0761108825
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 11.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #889,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Number Jugglers is the most important math game in my class., October 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Number Jugglers: Math Game Book & Math Game Cards (Spiral-bound)

I have taught a multi-age class, grades 1,2, and 3 for 10 years and have found Number Jugglers to be the most popular and useful math game in my class's math program. Children who do not feel successful in other ways in math, find a place of comfort with Number Jugglers. Children are thinking, manipulating numbers, problem solving, and practicing math facts while having a great deal of fun. Number Jugglers is solid in current good teaching practices. I found Number Jugglers easy to understand and use. Kids love to leave school with Number Jugglers as their homework. I think Number Jugglers should be on every classroom shelf and in every home.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best math learning book ever., March 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Number Jugglers: Math Game Book & Math Game Cards (Spiral-bound)

This book works for every kid, and adults enjoy playing the games, too! I have never seen a child try a Number Jugglers game without getting enthusiastic about math. It must be the feeling of success that comes with getting it right in Number Jugglers.

Whatever it is, Ruth Alexander has developed a truly great approach to math learning that works. And it's enjoyable enough to have at home, too. It has all the right elements of game play--adjustable for many age and skill levels, and for single or multiple users.