Learning to Give
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Unit Purpose:
While this unit introduces the basic vocabulary of the game Mini Bridge, it also uses the language of game playing and Mini Bridge to discuss social skills and teamwork. Learners discuss the importance of rules and etiquette in games, as well as in the "game of life." Students learn game procedures, playing-card attributes, math skills, and communication skills while having fun with games and teaching others to play. The final three lessons teach the game of Mini Bridge and give specific strategies for using critical thinking in the game. For classrooms ready to move to Bridge, the link to Bridge lessons is provided at the end of the final Mini Bridge lesson.
Focus Question: How do rules help us do well in games and in life?
Unit Duration:
Seventeen to twenty-five 45-minute class periods, plus time for a service project. It is strongly recommended that students be given ample time to practice their new skills before moving on to the next lesson. Students given opportunitiy to practice their new games will increase their ability to develop strategies and thinking skills.
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- identify the need for rules in a game and in life.
- state the consequences for not following the rules of a game.
- determine geographic location by North, South, East, and West.
- start a list of rules for life that we learn from games.
- use group cooperation to complete a task.
- reflect on the value of rules for group cooperation.
- identify the attributes of cards in a typical playing card deck.
- use vocabulary related to playing card games.
- identify the meaning of the word etiquette and how it might differ from playing a game merely by the rules.
- use new vocabulary in a game.
- identify the different ranks and values of cards.
- 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 combined with a partner.
- recognize that many of the games he/she plays are learned from others.
- describe how helping someone learn something might be considered a service.
- learn to play two new card games.
- describe the importance of a partnership.
- predict winning cards by logical thinking.
- provide a service 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.
- keep statistics.
- explain how a lead talks to a partner.
- name the major and minor suits.
- understand that a contract is a commitment.
- identify sure tricks.
- play in no trump or a trump contract.
- score the game of Mini Bridge.
- identify ways to promote tricks.
- estimate and predict a "winning" bid.
- use mental arithmetic to count points for a hand.
- define new vocabulary of Mini Bridge.
- identify characteristics that lend themselves to good partnerships.
Service Experience:
Students practice fair play, taking turns, and helping others in games and in the game of life. The class brainstorms ways to do these things in their lives. Then they try some things out and come back to class and report what they did and how people responded. Discuss how being kind and fair helps ourselves and others.
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 participation with the rules and etiquette required for the various game activities.
School/Home Connection:
Dear Family;
Did you know that students in school have many opportunities to practice learning, but not enough opportunity to develop higher-level thinking skills? Your student will be learning the game of Mini Bridge. This card game requires the learner to learn to think -- it is a game of skill and strategy.
The game helps the learner to develop quicker, clearer thinking, as well as communication skills necessary in a partnership and mental math. It is like the Olympics of a mind! Studies have shown that youngsters who play Mini Bridge develop a high level of concentration and memory.
Ask your student to teach your famly how to play. All you will need is a deck of cards. Bringing the family together will boost his or her sense of achievement and self-confidence.
The rules for Mini Bridge will be sent home with your student.
Very Truly Yours,
Notes for Teaching:
This unit is written for learners in grades three to five. 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 play the game of Tricks, the game of Trump, and Whist, before making the decision to introduce Lesson Five and learning the game of Mini Bridge. The more experience learners have with playing the previous games, the more successful they can be playing Mini Bridge.
If the teacher feels the students are ready for playing the game of Bridge, we recommend that you move on to the Bridge lessons that can be found in the Bridge lessons for grades 6-8. http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit543/lesson3.html
Recruit volunteers to give extra support while teaching Mini Bridge (Lesson Five). It would be helpful, but not necessary, to have Bridge players participating with the students.
We strongly recommend that teachers use the websites www.ebu.co.uk/education/minibridge/ and www.minibridge.co.uk and http://www.bluechipbridge.co.uk/MiniBridge.htm. These websites will provide the teacher with premade hands for use with your class. These websites are interactive and can be used with a smartboard and/or individual computers.
The American Contract Bridge League also offers lessons for students. Go to www.acbl.org and follow the links for Mini Bridge.
Bibliographical References:
- American Contract Bridge League. This rich informational site teaches players about the game of Bridge and invites membership. See the link for the school Bridge program. www.acbl.org
- Baron Barclay Bridge. This is a source for Bridge supplies. www.baronbarclaybridge.com
- Bridge Base. Play Bridge online. www.bridgebase.com
- Kitty Cooper. This site provides instructions on how to play and teach Bridge. Look for Bridge lessons and FAQs. http://www.kittycooper.com/Bridge/
- Mastering Bridge This site is an online Bridge community of Bridge teachers and players. The site offers valuable Bridge resources and information. www.masteringbridge.com
- Youth 4 Bridge. This site is for young people who play Bridge. http://www.youth4bridge.org/
- School Bridge LEAGUE. Get involved in Bridge tournaments with other schools. Rules and resources for Bridge players. www.schoolbridgeleague.org
- RP Bridge. Provides Bridge activities and teaching materials. www.rpbridge.net
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed By:
Barbara Dillbeck
Curriculum Director
The LEAGUE Curriculum by Learning to Give
Dennis VanHaitsma
Curriculum Consultant
Learning to Give
Enith Friedman Berg
American Contract Bridge League
Instructor
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