In this 8-week book study, educators will explore Math Games with Bad Drawings while actively engaging in activities that bring the games to life. Each week, participants will read selected sections of the book, dive into specific games using structured notecatchers, and reflect on the mathematical thinking behind them. 

This course goes beyond reading—educators will experience the games firsthand by playing, analyzing, and reflecting on how they promote strategy, reasoning, and engagement across categories such as spatial, number, combination, risk and reward, and information games. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to intentionally incorporate math games into instruction, along with a collection of ready-to-use ideas.

This course is appropriate for all K-12 math teachers. Other content areas are welcome to join, but a majority of the resources are math related.

Required Text:

• Math Games with Bad Drawings: 75 1/4 Simple, Challenging, Go-Anywhere Games--And Why They Matter by Ben Orlin

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze and reflect on the role of math games in supporting student engagement and mathematical thinking.
• Identify key characteristics of math games across categories such as spatial, number, and strategy-based play.
• Evaluate and select math games that align with instructional goals and classroom needs.
• Adapt or implement math games to support diverse learners and promote problem solving.
• Reflect on the use of math games to enhance student thinking and classroom engagement.