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192 of 201 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
FUN and EDUCATIONAL if you know how, May 1, 2002
Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars
I am a teacher and I use this game with my kids at school all the time. They LOVE it from grade school to high school depending on how you use it. I don't really follow the rules that came with it, only the values of how the pigs land. I have used it often in an afterschool tutoring program were we often practice math facts and addition. I took the instruction sheet from the game, found the place where they have the pigs drawn and what the rolls are worth, enlarged it on the copier so all the kids (usually less than 6) can see it at the same time (and of course, colored the pig drawings pink!) Then each student rolls, finds what his roll is worth, and adds his score. The first to pass 100 points wins. We sometimes start with 100 and subtract our score -- the first to zero (or less) wins. We have played where I announce at the beginning of the round that "This roll will be multiplied by 7"..the kids all cheer "Come on doule razorback!" I was amazed how fast they learned what each roll was worth. I would have liked to try something with fractions, but my study group wasn't ready for that. (For example, you could make each roll worth a certain fraction and they would have to add them up at the end of the game.) We have also used it to study for tests. I ask them a question and if they get it right, they get to roll. I am sure you could adapt it to lots of subjects. It is just a fun way to do rote things with a little more fun. I have also used it with younger kids who cannot add yet. I drew them a 100 square (a little block about 3"x3" divided into 10x10 grid) and made a bunch of copies. Then they roll, find their score on the scoresheet, then color in that many squares with a marker. Nice counting practice, and visual of how much different coloring in 20 is from coloring in only 5. I sometimes ask them "Look at your paper and at Joe's. Who has more squares colored in? How many do you need to catch up?" I really don't see any problem with the competing, and I sort of like the added benefit of learning HOW TO LOSE (which few seem to know) and other sportsmanship behaviors. The only problem I have seen with the game is that the little black dot (on one side of the pig) wears off and I have to keep drawing it on with a sharpie. Also, after about a year, their little piggy tails are hardly hanging on. I need a new set. GET THE GAME....have fun, change the rules, make up new ones...the pigs are the motivation...you decide what you want them to learn from it. OR learn nothing and just play. You'll like it.
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