Teacher’s Corner: Writing Across the Curriculum and Boardgaming

By Roderick A. Hurley
December 7, 2005

Whether you teach Social Studies or Mathematics, communication is critical. In mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics emphasizes communication along with traditional mathematical concepts (http://www.nctm.org/standards/standards.htm).  Writing reviews for games is one way to incorporate communication in your classroom.

First, I set aside some times for students to play various games that would relate to what I am teaching. In my mathematics classroom, I incorporate boardgaming with a unit on probability and statistics. Near the end of the unit I assign a game review project based on the games played.

When writing reviews, I give my students parameters. The review assignment requires three areas; technology, writing, and content area.

Today, technology is a large part of education. Computers are in the classroom, the local library, and home. When assigning a writing assignment, I require all students to make their review look like a newspaper. The newspaper article has to be typed, include a picture of the game, and some links to web pages about the game. In order to accommodate for a student who do not have a computer, I give homeroom passes for the students to use the school’s computer lab and encourage use of the local library after school.  I also made sure that I give plenty of time for the students to complete the assignment.

The writing component needs to address three questions:
1. What do you like about the game?
2. What do you not like about the game?
3. What would you change about the game?

I require students to justify and explain all statements that they make.  I also have a peer review for a few days before the due date. The peer review is an opportunity for students to clean up their papers before they turn in the project.

The last component that I look for is content area. Since I require this project in my mathematics class, I look for students to give statistics about the game and explain how probability is involved in the game. A History Teacher may have a student examine the geography or economics of a game. An English Teacher may have a student scrutinize the theme of the game.

I find that students get really involved in this assignment and the article is a great way for the students to show off their creative side. Sometimes writing can be dreaded by students, but by tying writing into something entertaining, students can accomplish many of their academic goals.

Roderick A. Hurley received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Western Michigan University and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Hurley is currently an assistant principal for Bedford Junior High School in Temperance, Michigan, where he also is the co-advisor for the school’s game club.  You can reach Mr. Hurley for more info at hurleyr@bedford.k12.mi.us

Comments:

< Back Home