Well Played, Grades K-2: Building Mathematical Thinking Through Number Games and Puzzles

by Linda Dacey, Karen Gartland, Jayne Bamford Lynch

Overview

Students love math games and puzzles, but how much are they really learning from the experience? Too often, math games are thought of as just a fun activity or enrichment opportunity. Well Played, Grades K-2: Building Mathematical Thinking Through Number Games and Puzzles shows you how to make games and puzzles an integral and engaging part of the math classroom.

Now in its second edition, Well Played, Grades K–2 offers twenty-five engaging games and puzzles which have all been field-tested in diverse classrooms. Additionally the materials for each game and puzzle have been streamlined, making preparing for and managing game and puzzle play even easier.

Each game or puzzle contains:

● Short explanations of the mathematical importance of each game or puzzle and how it supports student learning

● Variations for each game or puzzle to address a range of learning levels

● Classroom vignettes and tips that model how to introduce the featured game or puzzle

● Exit card choices and student work examples that make real-time assessment a meaningful part of teaching with games and puzzles

New full-sized appendices of all game boards, puzzles and other materials make preparing for play an easy task. A built-in study guide at the end of each chapter makes this book an ideal choice for book studies and collaborative teacher learning.

Well Played, Grades K-2 will help you tap the power of games and puzzles to engage students in sustained and productive mathematical thinking.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040433041
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/17/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	24 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Linda Dacey, professor emeritus at Lesley University, has always believed that learning mathematics should be conceptually based and enjoyable. She has written numerous classroom materials for students as well as professional books for teachers focused on problem solving, strategies for differentiation, numbers and operations, and writing to learn mathematics.

Karen Gartland, PreK-Grade 8 Mathematics Supervisor for the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District. She enjoys working with faculty, focusing on best practices for teaching mathematics, including conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and applications. Karen is also an adjunct faculty at several universities.

Jayne Bamford Lynch is a math instructional coach in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She joyfully spends her days in elementary classrooms supporting teachers and students in making math connections. Jayne is also an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Supporting Learning Through Games and Puzzles 3. Organizing for Success 4. Comparing and Ordering 5. Base Ten Numeration 6. Addition 7. Subtraction 8. Addition and Subtraction

Editorial Reviews

There are three types of activities all children should experience during math class: Routines, Contextual Problems, and Games. Games are one of the best ways to practice math concepts and Well Played is one of the BEST resources for those games. I've had the first edition of this book for years and am excited for educators to get this updated version.”

-Christina Tondevold, The Recovering Traditionalist & Founder of Build Math Minds

 

"This book is filled with math games that promote both inclusion and differentiation. The games are easy to learn, allowing the focus to remain on the math itself. With multiple levels and adaptable rules, these games will keep kids engaged and eager to play again and again."

-Tara Trudo, All Learner's Network

 

“This second edition of  Well Played, Grades K-2 starts with practical teacher moves for establishing a successful game culture in the classroom. The authors cover everything from organizing materials, introducing games, creating groups, and making directions accessible to build productive struggle and increase students’ mathematical knowledge. The games can easily be incorporated into regular math class stations, math menus, or as a part of math intervention.”

-Melanie King, Math Interventionist, Vergennes Union Elementary School, VT

“As a hands-on teacher, I can't speak highly enough of this book. The games can be easily implemented by both first-year and veteran teachers. It is well-structured, allowing use in whole-group or small-group settings and provides ample opportunities for students to demonstrate and discuss their understanding. These games and puzzles allow students to embed K-2 math strategies into their long-term memory while making learning fun!”

-Kristin Canale, Second Grade Teacher, Litchfield Elementary School, AZ

From the Publisher