Game 1 - Race to 100

For 2 or more players

Materials

• At least 1 die, or use this site to roll any number of dice
• Pencil and paper to do math work/write the score

Objective: Using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division use the 2 numbers shown on each die to be the first to reach exactly 100.

Rules

• If your score during a turn were to exceed 100, do not add it. Instead, lose a turn.
• For more advanced players, instead subtract from your score by double the total amount shown on the dice.

Instructions

1. Each player starts with a score of 0.
2. Player 1 rolls 2 dice.
3. Decide to either add or subtract the 2 numbers in any order.
4. Record the answer and then add it to the score
5. Player 2 does the same.
6. The first to reach exactly 100 wins.

Example: P1 rolls 4 and 5. “I want to add. 4+5=9. 0+9=9” P2 Rolls 2 and 6. “I would like to subtract. 6-2=4. 0+4=4” P1 rolls 6 and 6. “I would like to add. 6+6=12. 12+9=21” etc….

Advanced Rules for Advanced Players

• Include multiplication and division.
• Give each player a card with Multiply, Divide, Subtract, Add, written on it, that can be played on another player’s turn at any time. This allows that player to control the current player’s turn for that round as they choose the operation and number order. Each card can be played only one time.
• Disallow the same operation being used two turns in a row. For example, player 1 adds, forcing player 2 to subtract, multiply, or divide, or player 1 cannot add during their next turn.

Game 2 - Race to 14

For 2 players

Materials

• 1 deck of playing cards
• Score sheet

Objective: Add or subtract card values to reach 14 on your turn to collect cards, and end the game with all the cards.

Rules

• Ace is worth 1.
• Jack is worth 11.
• Queen is worth 12.
• King is worth 13.
• Number cards are worth their displayed value.
• Players have their HAND, their PERSONAL DECK, and their DISCARD PILE.
• Neutral Pile values may not become lower than 0 but they may exceed 14.
• The winner of the round of play must place the next card.
• Players cannot draw new cards from their personal deck until their hand of 7 cards is gone.

Instructions

1. Divide the deck in half, giving each player 26 cards.
2. Shuffle these personal decks, placing them face down.
3. Each player then draws 7 cards from their personal deck into their hand.
4. Player 1 starts the round by playing a card and declaring the neutral pile worth.
5. Player 2 then plays a card with the choice of adding or subtracting the value of their card to/from the neutral pile.
6. This continues until one player’s addition or subtraction causes the neutral pile to equal 14. That player then takes all of the cards into their discard pile. They then play a new card from their hand to start the new round.
7. The game ends when one player has no remaining cards to play (no cards in hand, personal deck, nor discard pile).
8. The remaining player is the winner.

If a player has no cards in their hand and no cards in their personal deck, but they have a discard pile, then the discard piles of each player are shuffled into their respective personal decks, the player draws a new hand, and play continues.

The player who still has cards to play only shuffles their discard pile into their personal deck. They do not draw a new hand.

Start a Nature Journal with Mr. Balkovetz

This week, I challenged myself to be more aware and appreciative of the beauty that surrounds me by making a nature journal. Once a day I picked something I saw in nature and drew it, and I’d love for you to do the same.

In place of drawing you could also do a collage of things you found in nature that day or even write about what you saw. I can’t wait to see what amazing things you discover right in your own neighborhoods or just outside your window.

Here are some of the neat things I saw this week:

Ms. Vitale's Recycling Art Party

Directions

1. Prepare all of the ingredients. Shred the cheese. Place the two slices of bread on a plate. Cut two good chunks of butter. Place your frying pan on the stove.
2. Turn on the stove to low heat and place a chunk of butter onto the frying pan. Melt and use your spatula to cover the pan in butter.
3. Add one slice of bread and your cheese. Add any additional ingredients as desired and cover with the second slice of bread. Take your frying pan lid and cover the frying pan making sure to check about every two minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove the sandwich to a separate plate and add the second chunk of butter to the frying pan. Melt the butter again covering the pan.
5. Place your sandwich, untoasted side down onto the pan and cook until toasted a light brown. Check every two minutes.
6. Remove from the frying pan with a spatula and place on your plate. Turn off stove and allow it to cool.

Enjoy!