Math Intervention 3–5 Grade

Multiplication and Division Concepts 149

X Marks the Spot (Multiplication)

A game designed to build the concept of perfect

squares and near squares

Materials:

Q (^) Decahedron die (labeled 0–9) or
0–9 spinner (see page 142)
Q (^) X Marks the Spot Game Board for Perfect
Squares Products
Q (^) Two highlighters or light markers
(different colors)
Directions:

1. Players decide which color highlighter each person will use.


2. The fi rst player rolls the die or spins the spinner. The player mul-
   tiplies the number with itself and looks for the perfect square
   product on the game board.


3. The player marks the product with a dot using the highlighter
   to “hold” the spot.


4. The next player rolls or spins a number, multiplies the number
   with itself and looks for the perfect square product on the game
   board. The player can mark the product with a dot to hold it OR
   the player can “claim” any product that is currently being held
   with a dot. If the player claims a held product, she uses the
   highlighter to draw X on the product.


5. Players take turns choosing numbers, multiplying, and holding
   or claiming products. Note: All products must be held before they are
   claimed and can be claimed by any player.


6. The winner is the fi rst player to have four claimed products
   (Xs) in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal).

Content Differentiation:

Moving Back: Play the game without holding prior to claiming.

Moving Ahead: Play the same game using Near Squares Products

instead of Square Products. The near square is one more group or

one less group than a perfect square.

PLAYERS:

2