Around the World

Everyone has played Around the World in elementary school. Some love it, others loathe it. I am one of those fortunate souls that loved around the world, probably because I was good at it. One student in my class is great at the game, so great that he has given up playing because he beats everyone with ease. Instead of participating in the game, he gives up and lets the challenger waltz by him. I was brainstorming today and thinking of a way I could involve him in this activity even though he has mastered rote memorization of his math facts. I thought about giving him harder problems or have him answer more than one, but I already know he knows his facts and I already know he will answer them faster than everyone else, he wouldn't be improving. While writing a paper for my teaching class I came up with the idea of having him lead the game. Why not have him up in front of the class setting an example for the other students because he is so good at his math facts? This not only includes him in the activity, but it also gives students incentive to do better and try harder during around the world. I have not had the opportunity to try this out yet, but I am thinking it will happen very soon. Stay tuned...