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How Can I Use DragonBox

This document provides guidance for using the game DragonBox+ to teach paper-and-pencil equation solving. It recommends that learners first play through the full game to understand isolating a variable on one side. Then, explain that they must show their work by copying the equation down and adding or subtracting to both sides when solving on paper. Provide exercises for learners to fill in missing steps as they transition. Finally, teach solving usual equations on paper, letting learners choose variable names other than x, and introduce word problems.

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Shawanda Clark
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
70 views

How Can I Use DragonBox

This document provides guidance for using the game DragonBox+ to teach paper-and-pencil equation solving. It recommends that learners first play through the full game to understand isolating a variable on one side. Then, explain that they must show their work by copying the equation down and adding or subtracting to both sides when solving on paper. Provide exercises for learners to fill in missing steps as they transition. Finally, teach solving usual equations on paper, letting learners choose variable names other than x, and introduce word problems.

Uploaded by

Shawanda Clark
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How Can I Use DragonBox+ to Teach Paper-And-Pencil Equation Solving?

If you are a teacher or parent who wants to teach the basics of how to solve equations on paper with DragonBox, here is a brief description of the best way to do it, from our experience: 1. Let your learner(s) play the full game: that means solving all 350 equations at their own pace. It can require different sessions of 20-30 minutes. Make sure that they understand the objective of the game: to isolate the box on one side. Never try to explain to the player that she is dividing or adding numbers, or use any other mathy words. Otherwise, you might spoil the game! You can gently help them if necessary but it is best to let them play through the game by themselves, as much as possible. Dont help them solve difficult levels directly, but remind them of the rules if needed. We intentionally made some levels difficult to encourage players to flex their creativity muscles. 2. When you are sure your children are comfortable with the way to solve equations in the game, you can make the transfer on paper. Two things are missing from the game, which children need to practice on paper: Since both sides of the equations in the game are updated semi-automatically, you need to explain specifically that the child must add or subtract to both sides of the equation themselves. Similarly, they must multiply or divide all groups in the same move. In the game, the equations are on one line and are updated as moves are made. So, you must explain specifically to children that they need to copy the line down each time, as they make a move. To help you make the transition, write equations where children have to fill in the missing parts. 3. When children are comfortable with this step, you are ready to teach them how to solve usual equations on paper. Let children choose the name of the variable: the first letter in their forename or any other letter or symbol they like. As much as possible, avoid using the usual x. 4. Test your children from time to time with simple equations. And try to introduce them to real world problems where you need to solve simple equations to find a solution. Warning: Mathematics is a game. Dont spoil it!
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