Math Game - Salute!

Singapore Math uses "number bonds" to teach children about the relationship between operations like addition and subtraction. Other math programs may teach about "number families". However it is taught, it is hugely helpful to play and have fun with these relationships. One of these playful ways is the game Salute!

This is one of my favorite math games. I feel that children always can use some practice in becoming "fluent" with number facts, and it allows children to internalize the relationship between addition and subtraction. It can also be modified for practice of multiplication and division.

Another reason I love it so much is that parents and children can play at home. All you need is a deck of card with the face cards removed. You need three participants. Here is how you play:

* Divide the deck into two piles, face down. Place one pile in front of player A and one in front of player B.

* Player C says, "Salute!" and the other two people pick up a card from their deck and place it on their forehead WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT.

* Player C then looks at both cards and says, "The sum of your two cards is X". Seeing only the other person's card, each player has to figure out the card on her own forehead.