Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

The LEAGUE

It's All in the Cards
Unit of 5 lessons
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Unit Overview:

By means of sequenced lessons, the learners will be introduced to the fundamental vocabulary associated with the basic game of Bridge, how it is played, and the rules and proper etiquette that apply to the game. The learners will also be able to see and make the connections that game playing not only enriches their understanding of their core academic areas, but provides them with insights and opportunities to better involve themselves in the "game of life".

Unit Purpose:

Games are often used as a means to improve social skills and promote teamwork among learners. Research has shown that memory, concentration, logical reasoning and analytical skills are also enhanced while learning and playing games, as are the personal attributes of fair play evident in the rules and etiquette of the various games. This unit is intended to teach learners the fundamentals of the card game, Bridge, as well as the important role that rules and etiquette play not only in this and other games but in the "game of life" as well. The unit will address the math skills of comparing numbers, calculating, and predicting.
Focus Question: How do rules help us in games and in life?

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

  • identify the need for rules in a game and in life.
  • recognize consequences for not following the rules of a game.
  • determine geographic location by North, South, East, West.
  • use group cooperation to complete a task.
  • experience the value of rules for group cooperation.
  • identify the cards in a typical playing card game by name and typical rank.
  • recognize the meaning of vocabulary used in playing card games.
  • identify the meaning of the word etiquette and how it might differ from playing a game merely by the rules.
  • recognize the meaning of new vocabulary.
  • understand that different cards may be assigned different ranks and values.
  • order cards from greatest to least value.
  • play a card game in partnership, using etiquette, as well as established rules, to guide play.
  • calculate points in a hand of cards and among partners.
  • recognize that many of the games he/she plays are learned from others.
  • comprehend how helping someone learn something might be considered a service.
  • learn to play a new card game.
  • complete a service activity by teaching others how to play a game.
  • deal cards according to game playing etiquette.
  • organize a hand of playing cards in a usable way.
  • use mental arithmetic to count points for a hand.
  • practice interpersonal communication and collaboration following game rules.
  • estimate and predict a “winning” bid.
  • learn and play Mini-Bridge.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

An optional part of this unit is to have the learners teach a card game to another class. (Lesson Four)

Unit Assessment:

Teacher observation of learner involvement, as well as assessing individual in a group work, cooperating with the rules and etiquette required for the various game activities

Notes for Teaching:

While this unit is written for learners in grades three to five, Lesson Five may be too challenging for some elementary students.  Each teacher will need to assess the ease with which the learners are able to participate in Lessons One to Four and their ability to successfully play the game of "Tricks"  (Lesson Four), before making the decision to introduce Lesson Five and learning the game of Mini-Bridge. 

 

It is highly recommended that the teacher recruit volunteers to assist the learners in learning Mini-Bridge (Lesson Five).  Of course, having volunteers who are familiar with the game of Bridge is most desirable, but not necessary.

State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:

See individual lessons for benchmark detail.

Lessons Developed and Piloted By:

Barbara Dillbeck
Curriculum Director
Learning to Give

Dennis VanHaitsma
Curriculum Consultant
Learning to Give

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