Tapatan

Tapatan is a game of strategy for two players that can easily add numerical reasoning by adding a score-keeping component. In creating the game for your classroom, you will want to print off the gameboard and the rules for your students to follow. You will also need to collect 3 markers for each player. Each player should have a different color of marker (example: Player One has 3 blue and Player Two has 3 red).

Introducing the game: I have introduced the game using a transparency of the game and an overhead projector (a doc camera works even better) and challenged the class to beat me. This works very well. I've also introduced the game to another student and challenged them to teach their peers (and teach their peers how to be teachers of the game!). This has gone well too.

= Continuing the Investigation = As you play **Tapatan**, reflect on the following:

Mathematics Involved:
1.) What is the mathematical reasoning that is possible as the game is being played? 2.) What standards are being addressed? 3.) What are some strategies or mathematical models I can promote through thinking aloud?

Pedagogical Issues:
1.) What are effective ways to introduce the game? 2.) Who could benefit from playing this game? 3.) How can I facilitate student autonomy in playing the game? 4.) How can I get students to share their thinking with their peers while playing the game?

Ways to Improve the game:
1.) Appearance 2.) Wording of rules 3.) Changing of rules

NCTM Standards

Pre-K–2 Expectations: In pre-K through grade 2 all students should–
• describe, name, and interpret relative positions in space and apply ideas about relative position; • describe, name, and interpret direction and distance in navigating space and apply ideas about direction and distance; • find and name locations with simple relationships such as "near to" and in coordinate systems such as maps.

Grades 3–5 Expectations: In grades 3–5 all students should–
• describe location and movement using common language and geometric vocabulary; • make and use coordinate systems to specify locations and to describe paths; • find the distance between points along horizontal and vertical lines of a coordinate system.