Machi Koro 2 for Math-class Fun Time and Board Game After-school

Funded Dec 29, 2024

I first played Machi Koro 2 with my after school (5 kids) so that I could learn the rules and identify any sticking points for students learning. It went amazingly well. These students are typically engaged with any game I try with them (NY Pizza slice, 7 Wonders Architect, Love Letter). Having that test run was helpful as I did see a couple of challenging points. One was their desire to grab the red buildings which punish other players. Although there did not prove to be any hurt feelings either in the test game or in the class session. Which was great, they all just saw it as part of the experience.

So after the test session I book our library so we would have more space and better tables. We took the first portion of class to discuss probability as it relates to the game. We examined whether a one dice strategy or two dice strategy was best and when as a focus during the rules introduction. And I'm happy to say the kids ate it up! We had games of 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, and 5. They were patient. They asked questions. They explored various strategies. They dug in.

During a subsequent class we talked more generally about what makes something a game. Goals, rules, challenge, interaction. We examined many games they know and next session we will examine this specifically for Machi Koro 2.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Bonini