Shape Whiz
Shape Whiz
2-4 players • 15 min • 10 & up
Focus: Geometry
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Race your opponent to find the shape that fits the geometry clue. Everyone must agree the shape is a match or flip the card to check the facts. So fun, you won't even realize you're learning all about geometry.
Skills: Geometry, Measurement
Game Includes
Game Includes
- 80 Shape Cards
- 40 Whiz Cards
- 1 Rules Booklet
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How to Play
Educational Standards
Core Standard*: Math
- Math
- Classify two-dimensional figures into categories based on their properties: Grade Level 5th
- Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume : Grade Level 6th Standards for Mathematical Practice
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.: Grade Level 4th, 5th
- Geometry
Skills
Explore
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to quickly look at all of the face up Shape Cards to see if any have characteristics that match the Whiz Card criteria.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Even though this is a race game, in that the first person to find a matching card will win the round, it is important to remind children to look closely at the face up Shape Cards.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Even though this is a race game, in that the first person to find a matching card will win the round, it is important to remind children to look closely at the face up Shape Cards.
Determine
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to decide which shape(s), if any, will meet Whiz Card criteria. Also, they must determine if the presenting player accurately picked a winning Shape Card.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
"Even though this is a race game, in that the first person to find a matching card will win the round, it is important to remind children to look closely at the face up Shape Cards. Allow children who are just learning about shapes to play without the timed factor until they feel confident about the different equations."
Learning Implications and Educator Support
"Shape Whiz helps develop observational, visual spatial and association skills. To help children determine winning geometric matches to the Whiz Card criteria, encourage them to use appropriate math formulas or estimate answers, if they do not know the formula. Shape Whiz is also good for developing quick thinking skills as all players are racing to play a matching card before the other players."
Compare
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Shape Whiz involves lots of comparing as players can look at all face up Shape Cards to find one that meets the Whiz Card criteria.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
"To help children determine winning geometric matches to the Whiz Card criteria, encourage them to use appropriate math formulas or estimate answers, if they do not know the formula. Allow children who are just learning about shapes to play without the timed factor until they feel confident about the different equations."
Learning Implications and Educator Support
"Shape Whiz helps develop observational, visual spatial and association skills. To help children determine winning geometric matches to the Whiz Card criteria, encourage them to use appropriate math formulas or estimate answers, if they do not know the formula. Shape Whiz is also good for developing quick thinking skills as all players are racing to play a matching card before the other players."
Remember
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players will do better if they remember the math formulas, such as area or perimeter, for the different geometric shapes.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
"Encourage children to review the Principles of Geometry content in the instructions prior to game play. It can also be helpful to draw the shapes and discuss their properties such as number of sides or number of parallel sides. Allow children who are just learning about shapes to play without the timed factor until they feel confident about the different equations."
Learning Implications and Educator Support
"Shape Whiz is a good game for teaching geometry and math formulas. Some players may already know the applicable math principles and formulas. For those who do not, encourage them to review the Principles of Geometry content in the instructions prior to game play. It can also be helpful to draw the shapes and discuss their properties such as number of sides or number of parallel sides."
Practice
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Shape Whiz allows players to practice mental math and visualization as they try to solve the Whiz Cards problems.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
When children are first learning the game, practice by holding up a card and having the child name the attributes of the shape such as number of sides, number of parallel sides, estimated size and number of angles less than 90 degrees.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
When children are first learning the game, practice by holding up a card and having the child name the attributes of the shape such as number of sides, number of parallel sides, estimated size and number of angles less than 90 degrees.
Solve
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Shape Whiz players to solve the Whiz Cards problems when they find a Shape Card that meets the criteria.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
"To help children determine winning geometric matches to the Whiz Card criteria, encourage them to use appropriate math formulas or estimate answers, if they do not know the formula. Allow children who are just learning about shapes to play without the timed factor until they feel confident about the different equations."
Learning Implications and Educator Support
"Shape Whiz helps develop observational, visual spatial and association skills. To help children determine winning geometric matches to the Whiz Card criteria, encourage them to use appropriate math formulas or estimate answers, if they do not know the formula. If you notice a player falling behind others, discuss the strategy they are using and the thinking behind their actions or inactions. Are they trying to estimate quickly or spend more time to make accurate determination of Shape Card criteria? Do they have a specific approach for looking at all the cards efficiently? Are they having challenges with certain geometry principles? Shape Whiz is also good for developing quick thinking skills as all players are racing to play a matching card before the other players."
Review
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players review the presenter's solution for accuracy by affirming with their own knowledge or by looking at the back of the Shape Card the presenter used.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
To help bolster confidence and motivation, provide positive reinforcement if children accurately make matches correctly. If children make a mistake, review it with them learn how to do it accurately next time or to improve memory skills.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
To help bolster confidence and motivation, provide positive reinforcement if children accurately make matches correctly. If children make a mistake, review it with them learn how to do it accurately next time or to improve memory skills.
Demonstrate
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Demonstrating is not required, but children may do so if encouraged to explain why they were correct or thought they were correct.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
To help bolster confidence and motivation, provide positive reinforcement if children accurately make matches correctly. If children make a mistake, review it with them learn how to do it accurately next time or to improve memory skills.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
To help bolster confidence and motivation, provide positive reinforcement if children accurately make matches correctly. If children make a mistake, review it with them learn how to do it accurately next time or to improve memory skills.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Special Needs
Cognitive
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Shape Whiz is not recommended for children with cognitive delays. It requires understanding of abstract geometric figures and equations for solving spatial problems.
Communication
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Shape Whiz requires movement of cards to match a formula. No communication is required to play.
Sensorimotor
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
The game requires turning and moving cards. This may be difficult for some children with restricted movements. Playing in pairs allows for children to solve problems together and have one team member handle the cards.
Provide a stick or pointer that the child can handle. This will enable the child to point rather than have to pick up a card. When a card needs to be turned, other players can assist.
Place a number at the top of each players three cards so that numbers start at 1, 2,3 in front of the player with motor problems and progress through subsequent numbers in front of the other players' shape cards. The player with motor concerns then announces the number of the shape card that is the correct response to the Whiz card. If this is the first card called, all players then check this card for accuracy. Replacing cards can be done by other players.
Social Emotional/Behavioral
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Shape Whiz requires a high level of concentration and understanding of geometric relationships. If children have this understanding, the game can reinforce self-confidence. If children do not have this understanding, the child with behavioral and/or emotional problems may find the game frustrating.
Play the game in teams, so that players can discuss and work together to find the solution.
Remove the need for speed by letting all players see if they have a solution. Keep track of points scored.
Vision
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
This game is not recommended for visually impaired. The shapes are difficult to see and the words on the Whiz cards may be difficult to read.
Hearing
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Children with hearing impairments can play the game, although explanations of why cards are accurate may be difficult to grasp.
Use physical and visual means of demonstrating answers, such as with string, measuring sticks, toothpicks, etc.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Autism
Autism Strengths & Interests
Short Summary of Strengths & Interests
- Has good nonverbal reasoning.
- Has knowledge of geometric shapes.
- Has good spatial understanding.
Is good at matching visual items
This game is not appropriate
Has a good memory for words, phrases and dialouge
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players need to remember the meaning of various math symbols, such as = , ≤ , ≥ , ≅,and so on in order to pick the card that is the answer to the Whiz Card.
Has a good memory for pictures, numbers and patterns
This game is not appropriate
Likes to put things in order or a sequence
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players need to remember the meaning of various math symbols, such as = , ≤ , ≥ , ≅,and so on in order to pick the card the is the answer to the Whiz card. They also need to recognize the patterns of the various shapes.
Learns through visualizing or "replaying" actions in their mind
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players need to sequence their
Likes activities with rules, such as math and phonics
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Children who are good at mentally visualizing and manipulating shapes will enjoy Shape Whiz, as they try to determine which of the possible shapes solves the Whiz Card problem.
Is very concrete and literal
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Some children with autism are good at math and other activities that have clear rules to follow. Children who are good at using rules to determine geometric properties, such as perimeter and area, will like Shape Whiz.
Learns in small "chunks" (for example, phone numbers are 3 chunks of number xxx-xxx-xxxx that are combined together)
This game is not appropriate
Is good at nonverbal reasoning and logic
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Children who remember the equations for different properties and can apply them in steps will have an advantage in Shape Whiz.
Likes spatial problem solving
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Some children are good at logic and reasoning, but may not enjoy or be able to discuss or verbalize their thinking. Shape Whiz is a good game for these children as it involves nonverbal reasoning. Visual clues on the back of cards can be used, but the winner needs to be fast and think without the use of the visual helpers.
Can read well with good vocabulary, though may not fully comprehend content
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Shape Whiz requires significant spatial problem solving, therefore, will be enjoyed by children who like geometry, patterns and other spatial reasoning activities. Visual clues on the back of cards can be used, but the winner needs to be fast and think without the use of the visual helpers.
Likes to use and has good fine motor skill
This game is not appropriate
Likes established routines or set ways of doing things
This game is not appropriate
Likes manipulating, constructing or building things
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Shape Whiz is played in the same way each time, but the cards drawn will differ.The rule-based nature of geometry may be helpful for children with autism who are good at math.
Likes to use and has good musical abilities
This game is not appropriate
Likes to use and has good drawing skills
This game is not appropriate
Autism Special Considerations
Appears to ignore other's communication and/or has difficulty giving eye contact to a communication partner
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Eye contact is not needed to play Shape Whiz.
Has difficulty understanding complex verbal directions
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
The directions are not complex, but the game itself involve abstract thinking about geometric shapes.
Uses vocabulary inaccurately or demonstrates echolalia (repeating another's speech)
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
No language is needed to play, and any extraneous echolalia should not interfere with game play.
Gets stuck repeating a verbal topic or physical actions and/or has difficulty attending to others' actions or topic.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Players need to attend to the comparison of responses among players. Adults may need to prompt the child to "wait , listen, and look." Involve the child in analyzing other players cards to see if they are "right." This transfers the game play from the other player to the child with autism for a shared response.
Has difficulty producing speech/communication
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification?
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
No speech is necessary.Though players may want to explain their answers, it is not required. Encourage the child to "see if you agree with him" to pull the child into the discussion.
Has difficulty sequencing multi-step actions and/or doing complex abstract tasks
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Shape Whiz does not involve multistep actions, but does involve complex abstract tasks of measurement to answer spatial questions. If the child is not good at spatial reasoning, this game is not recommended.
Demonstrates difficulty initiating and maintaining social interactions
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Shape Whiz does not require social interaction.
Acts out or demonstrates avoidance behaviors when frustrated, overwhelmed, or needs more sensory input.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Shape Whiz requires focused attention. Give the child breaks in between rounds if needed to engage in movement or tactile activities, such as running or jumping, manipulating fidget toys, etc.
Has short attention span for non-preferred activities
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
If spatial reasoning or geometry is not a preferred activity, this game may not hold the child's attention. However, many children with autism like puzzles and related activities, so work with the child for several turns, then see what happens independently.
Needs sameness or consistent routines and/or has difficulty with transitions from one activity to another
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
The game is played the same way on each turn, so the child will understand the routine of play when shown a game card.This may also help transition the child to the game.
Has difficulty understanding others' feelings, intentions, and the reasons for others' actions.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? Yes
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
The child does not need to understand others' thinking or feelings to play the game. No strategy is involved in Shape Whiz.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Extended Play
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Play the game as defined in the rules, but the presenter must declare the correct formula to win the round.
Materials Needed
No additional materials needed.
Developmental Benefits
This variation makes the game more challenging by removing the ability to guess the correct answer. Therefore, it helps strengthen memory, accurate estimating, observation and demonstration skills.
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Start by having each player stack 12 cards face down in front of them in a Game pile. The rest of the cards are placed in a Replenish pile. Place a Whiz Card face up in the center of the play area. Then, all players turn over one card at a time from the top of their Game pile. The first person who thinks they have a match places it on the Whiz Card. If correct, the player keeps the card in a personal discard pile and picks a new card from the Replenish pile. If the player is incorrect, they take their card back. Play moves to the left. Continue until the first person has used all the cards from their Game pile. The person with the most Shape Cards in their personal discard pile wins the game.
Materials Needed
No additional materials needed.
Developmental Benefits
This variation makes it easier to look for winning cards by limiting the player to their own Game pile. Thus, it would be a good introduction to the game for younger children. Additionally, this variation adds an element of speed and physical action that may make it more enjoyable for certain children.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
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How to Play Video & Transcript
Today we’re going to put our knowledge of geometry and our powers of approximation to work as we race to find correct shapes in Simply Fun’s Shape Whiz.
Shape Whiz is a game best played with players ages 10 and up and can be played with 2 to 4 players.
Geometry is an important skill that we use almost every day as we estimate the shape and size of things. But it is also a perfect way for us to exercise both sides of our brain at the same time! Geometry draws on the right side of the brain that visualizes and helps us be creative and the left side of our brain that is logical and tactical.
Every Shape Whiz game box comes with 80 Shape cards and 40 Whiz cards.
The shape cards are split into two categories: simple and complex. There are 45 simple shape cards. They’re blue and contain 9 different shapes in 5 different sizes. There are also 35 complex shape cards. These cards are green and contain 7 different shapes in 5 different sizes.
Whether simple or complex, the front side of each card shows the shape… and the back side shows all the properties of the shape.
Finally, there are 40 double-sized Whiz cards. These cards contain the problems to be solved with the correct selection from among the players’ Shape cards.
To set up the game, define the play area based on the number of players. With two people, players will sit across from each other. With three people, players will form a triangle. With four people, players will sit in a square. Geometry in motion!
Now, shuffle all the Whiz cards and place them face down just outside the play area, like this. You’ll notice that all Whiz cards are double-sided question cards, so you can’t make a mistake here: ANY SIDE IS FACE DOWN!
You should also make spaces – as shown here – for a Whiz Card discard pile and a Shape Card surplus and discard pile.
Next, determine the level of difficulty:
For standard play, shuffle ALL the blue and green shape cards together and deal each player a stack of 15 cards. These cards become the player’s Personal Shape Card Stack. Place all the surplus shape cards in a stack next to the place for the Whiz card discard pile.
For a simpler version of play, use only the blue shape cards and only deal each player 8 cards. Do everything else as in standard play.
Now, have all players flip over 3 shaped cards from their personal shape card stacks and place them face up in front – like this.
You’re ready to play.
To begin the game, the first player flips over the top Whiz card and places it in the middle of the play area so the question on the card is revealed to everyone. All players are active in every turn, so they all engage immediately.
The first phase of game play is called Searching: players quickly read the Whiz card and begin looking for shapes – among ALL the face-up shape cards – that match the properties in the question.
The first player to see a shape that solves the Whiz card question grabs that shape card and places it in the center for everyone to see. This is called Presenting.
When a card is presented, all players stop searching to review the shape and decide if it is correct.
If everyone agrees that the shape is correct, the player who found the card wins the round and places both the Shape card and the Whiz card in their respective discard piles.
If players are not sure the shape is correct, they turn over the Shape card to check the properties on the back. If it turns out to be correct, they player who presented the card wins the round, and performs the discards, as above.
If the Shape card presented is determined to be INCORRECT, the player must KEEP that card, placing it at the bottom of his personal shape card pile, and the round ends with no winner. The Whiz card is still discarded.
After every round, the empty Shape card spot must be filled, but where the replacement card comes from depends on the outcome of the round. Here are the options:
1. If the player used his own card CORRECTLY, he can replace from his own stack.
2. If he used his own card INCORRECTLY, he must replace from the surplus pile.
3. If the player used another player’s card CORRECTLY, she can use a card from her own stack to replace the opponent’s card.
4. But if she used another player’s card INCORRECTLY, she must replace the card with a card from the opponent’s shape card stack.
To start the next round, a new Whiz card is flipped over and game play continues. Note that if, in the course of play, NO SHAPE CARD matches the current Whiz card, players may simply flip over a new Whiz card.
The first player to run out of shape cards in his own Shape Card stack wins the game. Keep in mind that players can still win with their face up Shape Cards in front of them. The game ends when one player has no cards in his personal stack.
Know the angles and shape up with Shape Whiz!
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