Reflection 1: Place Value Pirates

Place Value Pirates

Place Value Pirates is a fun interactive game to help the student understand place value with decimals. The object of the game is to identify the pirate that has the correct number in the right place value. The number the student must identify flashes on top of the screen. The student has a time limit of two minutes to click on one of the five pirates. The student must click, on the pirate with the correct place value number. If the student is correct the pirate disappears and another pirate takes the place with a different number. If the student is wrong the pirate strikes his sword a few times with yours (the clicker) and grunts at you. The student must identify at least one pirate correct to move to the next round. Each round is harder with larger numbers. This game is very pleasing to the senses. The graphics are very well done, from realistic looking pirates to sparkling treasure. The music is exciting and exhilarating, although it would be wise to invest in earphones for each student so the room is not echoing with 28 theme songs going at the same time. The music is the theme song from the Disney film “Pirates of the Caribbean”. The pirate theme, music and the time limit enhances all elements of excitement to the user. The only thing missing is the smell of the seashore and sweaty pirates. One negative thing about this game is the numbers on the pirates are a little small. Another negative aspect is that the game could be frustrating for students that are slow. On the other hand the time helps competitive students want to do better. The developer could have put a flag in the game so the teacher could set the time for each individual student. Place Value Pirates will be used in the place value math unit. Math time is approximately 65 minutes each day. Students will play Place Value Pirates as a self starter for math. The students will play for 10-15 minutes before the lesson begins. Practice, practice, practice is a must in math. It is essential that concepts are repetitive so the brain can absorb it. This game will allow the student to remember the concepts taught on place value. For those students that are interested we will have a “Place Value Pirate Tournament” at the end of the unit.