Vinculum
Vinculum
2-6 players • 15 min • 8 & up
Focus: Fractions
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Learn how to reduce and expand fractions to recognize equivalent fractions in this fast-paced math race. Get the most fraction tiles to win!
Skills: Fractions, Focus
Game Includes
Game Includes
- 51 Standard Fraction Tiles
- 10 Advanced Fraction Tiles
- 1 Tile
- Storage Bag
- 1 Rules Booklet
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How to Play
Educational Standards
Core Standard*: Math
Math
- Number and Operations—Fractions
- Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering. Grade Level 4th
- Develop understanding of fractions as numbers. Grade Level 3rd
Skills
Explore
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to keep track of all the Fraction Tiles that are turned over as the look for equivalent fractions.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
No special parent support required.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
No special educator support required.
Determine
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to determine if there is one or more equivalent fraction matches as each Fraction Tile is turned over.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Since this is a speed game, remind children to move quickly to slap the tile they think is equivalent to the one most recently turned over.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Children will be practicing multiplication, division and fraction equivalency while playing Vinculum. To practice prior to playing the game, educators can ask the child whose turn it is to say aloud all equivalent fractions they can think of when turning over a Fraction Tile. For example, if the child turns over 1/3, the child could say "One-third is the same as two over six, three over nine and four over twelve."
Compare
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Comparing is the primary skill used by Players in Vinculum as they compare the different Fraction Tiles looking for equivalencies.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Since this is a speed game, remind children to move quickly to slap the tile they think is equivalent to the one most recently turned over.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Children will be practicing multiplication, division and fraction equivalency while playing Vinculum. To practice prior to playing the game, educators can ask the child whose turn it is to say aloud all equivalent fractions they can think of when turning over a Fraction Tile. For example, if the child turns over 1/3, the child could say "One-third is the same as two over six, three over nine and four over twelve."
Remember
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to remember their multiplication and division functions in order to increase or decrease the fraction on a Fraction Tile.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
If you notice that a child is having difficulty multiplying or dividing, use pen and paper to show the child how to multiply or divide fractions.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
If you notice that a child is having difficulty multiplying or dividing, use a skill level appropriate means to show the child how to multiply or divide fractions.
Practice
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players practice multiplication, division and fraction equivalency while playing Vinculum.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
To practice prior to playing the game, parents can ask the child whose turn it is to say aloud all equivalent fractions they can think of when turning over a Fraction Tile. For example, if the child turns over 1/3, the child could say "One-third is the same as two over six, three over nine and four over twelve."
Learning Implications and Educator Support
To practice prior to playing the game, educators can ask the child whose turn it is to say aloud all equivalent fractions they can think of when turning over a Fraction Tile. For example, if the child turns over 1/3, the child could say "One-third is the same as two over six, three over nine and four over twelve."
Solve
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Each time a new Fraction Tile is turned over, it gives the Players a potential opportunity to make one or more equivalency matches. Each match represents the ability of the Player to solve the goal of the game using appropriate math skills.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Since this is a speed game, remind children to move quickly to slap the tile they think is equivalent to the one most recently turned over.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Since this is a speed game, remind children to move quickly to slap the tile they think is equivalent to the one most recently turned over.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Special Needs
Cognitive
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
This game may not be appropriate for children with cognitive challenges. These children may have slower processing time and/or may not understand the concept of reduction or expansion of fractions.
Reduce the difficulty by having players take a turn to find a match. Let them turn over a piece, look at it, and decide if the pieces are equivalent. Give each player four turns to find a match. This takes the speed factor out of winning.
Communication
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Communication is not needed to successfully play Vinculum.
Sensorimotor
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
The Fraction Tiles are large, so they should be able to be picked up easily. The potential issue for children with fine motor problems is the speed factor as players are trying to slap the matching tiles before other players. One option is to allow players to say the match aloud rather than physically slap the tile.
Eliminate the speed factor by first turning over four tiles. Each player, in turn, then turns over one more tile and takes the fractional equivalent tiles evident on the board. With each player's turn, the player turns over as many tiles as needed to keep a minimum of four tiles face-up.
Social Emotional/Behavioral
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
This is not appropriate for children who have difficulty with fractions.
The game can be used to teach fractions. Draw two tiles and set them on the table to start. Each player in turn draws two tiles, looks for equivalent fractions, and take them. To keep them the player must explain how they know they are the same amount. Use the 2, 4, 6, 8 denominators to start.
Vision
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
This game requires visual search which may be difficult for children with vision problems, especially with a timed factor. Reduce the number of tiles to examine. Draw two tiles and set them on the table to start. Each player in turn draws two tiles, looks for equivalent fractions, and take them.
Hearing
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Hearing is not an issue in this game.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Autism
Autism Strengths & Interests
Short Summary of Strengths & Interests
- Is interested in math, especially exploring fractions.
- Is good at scanning multiple objects to find a match.
- Likes to make mathematical matches.
Is good at matching visual items
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Vinculum is all about matching amounts. So, children who enjoy figuring out how two items which may appear different are the same, will enjoy playing this game. They will use their math skills to determine which fractions are the same amount (ex: 1/2 and 2/4) in order to win a tile. Also, if they are good at looking for details or like looking for things, they can put those skills to good use in Vinculum.
Has a good memory for sensory details, including visual, touch, taste and smell
This game is not appropriate
Has a good memory for words, phrases and dialouge
This game is not appropriate
Has a good memory for pictures, numbers and patterns
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Vinculum involves using multiplication and division skills to determine values of fractions at the lowest common denominator. Children who enjoy math and following mathematics rules will enjoy this game. And, as they build their skills, you can add more difficult fractions to the game.
Likes to put things in order or a sequence
This game is not appropriate
Learns through visualizing or "replaying" actions in their mind
This game is not appropriate
Likes activities with rules, such as math and phonics
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Math is highly rule based, and Vinculum focuses on the rules of dividing and expanding fractions. Children who are good at remembering math rules will excel at this game.
Is very concrete and literal
This game is not appropriate
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
Reasoning with numbers involves understanding patterns and applying logic to the numbers provided to obtain an answer. Children with autism who have math skills may be good at visualizing the options and seeing patterns, such as the equivalency of different fractions and relationship to denominators.
Likes spatial problem solving
This game is not appropriate
Can read well with good vocabulary, though may not fully comprehend content
This game is not appropriate
Likes to use and has good fine motor skill
This game is not appropriate
Likes established routines or set ways of doing things
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Addition problems have one right answer. This is comforting to children with autism who may have difficulty dealing with ambiguity. In Vinculum, adults may need to slow the game play down to ensure that children with autism have sufficient time to apply their math skills.
Likes manipulating, constructing or building things
This game is not appropriate
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:
Focus on the Fraction Tiles is needed for the game. No eye contact with others is necessary.
Has difficulty understanding complex verbal directions
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 directions are not difficult to understand. The child just needs to understand how to expand and reduce fractions.
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? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Communication is not needed to play. Echolalia may interfere with others' concentration on the game, however. Encourage the child to use self-talk about what they turn over and reduce instead of repeating other phrases.
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:
Attending to others' acions is not desired. Encourage the child to use self-talk about what they turn over and reduce instead of repeating other phrases.
Has difficulty producing speech/communication
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 speech is needed if the child can physically show his Fraction Tiles to allow others to check the child's accuracy.
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:
Performing fraction reduction or expansion requires understanding of an abstract concept as well as abstract math skills. Unless math is an interest this game may be too challenging. Many children with autism are good at visual patterning. Teach fractions using pie charts and fractional pie pieces to illustrate the meaning of the various fractions. This may help children understand these abstract concepts.
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:
Social interactions are not required, but can be encouraged. Have players show other players what they slapped and picked up. If two players go for the same tile, mediate by asking both players whose hand was on the tile first.
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:
Children who have difficulty with fractions, speed, or losing may become upset with the game. Change the game to reduce these factors. Eliminate the speed factor by first turning over four tiles. Each player, in turn, then turns over one more tile and takes the fractional equivalent tiles evident on the board. With each player's turn, the player turns over as many tiles as needed to keep a minimum of four tiles face-up. This modification reduces the pressure and feeling of being overwhelmed by all of the tile options.
Has short attention span for non-preferred activities
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Unless numbers and math are an interest, the game may be too challenging. Children who have difficulty with fractions, speed, or losing may become upset with the game. Change the game to reduce these factors. Eliminate the speed factor by first turning over four tiles. Each player, in turn, then turns over one more tile and takes the fractional equivalent tiles evident on the board. With each player's turn, the player turns over as many tiles as needed to keep a minimum of four tiles face-up. This modification reduces the pressure and feeling of being overwhelmed by all of the tile options. Even simple fractions, however, may be too difficult for some children.
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:
Play games at the same time during the day or week so children anticipate playing a game. Prepare the child by talking about the game. Let the child set out the tiles if this is of interest. Vinculum is predictable as it is played the same way every time, but after each match, the child must shift attention to a new relationship. This will be difficult for many children. Try turning over all the tiles face-up. Then announce a fraction for players to seek. Give children a few seconds to look before saying, "Go." This announcement gives the child direction and a time to shift thinking without having to independently make a shift to a new fraction option.
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:
Vinculum does not require understanding others feelings.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Extended Play
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Advanced alternative: All players turn over two Fraction Tiles at the same time, multiply them and reduce the fraction. The first person with a correct answer get to keep the tiles. Losers put their tile back and mix them up before playing another round.
Materials Needed
No additional material needed.
Developmental Benefits
This modification adds an extra multiplication element to the fractions. Reduction of fractions is still needed, but players practice a higher level skill as well.
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Advanced alternative that we call High/Low Total Value. Prior to play, one player announces "most" or "least." All players turn over two Fraction tiles. They must find a common denominator for their two tiles, add the fractions and then see who has the total value worth the most or the least (as announced). This player keeps their tiles and the others are returned to the pool and mixed up before the next turn. Add "same" as an option and if two final fractions match, both players keep their tiles.
Materials Needed
No additional material needed.
Developmental Benefits
This modification adds the element of addition of fractions. Reduction of fractions is still needed, but players practice a higher level skill as well. Once fractions are reduced players still need to compare amounts. This means they need to find a common denominator for all of the final fractions before they can compare them to determine more, less, or the same.
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Start game with all Fraction Tiles placed face-up and have a "free-for-all." Let all players find as many matches as they can. Check the results. The winner is the one with the most matches in a pre-determined time, such as one minute. Let the winner decide how many tiles to put out for the next round and how long to give the players to find matches.
Materials Needed
No additional material needed.
Developmental Benefits
The timing factor adds an additional pressure. Players need to think quickly, but can also look for multiple matches for a tile. Players have to think two things as the same time: What else matches this fraction amount and what else has a match?
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
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How to Play Video & Transcript
Do you know what that little line between the two numbers in a fraction is called? I’ll give you a hint: it’s the same as the name of this game. It’s called a Vinculum!
And today, we’re going to learn how to play the game with the same name., Simply Fun’s Vinculum, is a slap-happy tile game of fractions and their equivalents. Expand or reduce the fractions in your head to recognize which ones are equal and slap to claim your tile. But do it quickly! You don’t want to lose by a fraction of a second!
Vinculum can be played with 2 to 6 players, and it’s best played with players ages 8 and up.
Every Vinculum game box comes with Fifty-one standard fraction tiles, with denominators from 2 to 12. These tiles are used for basic play. You’ll also find Ten advanced fraction tiles with denominators 15 and 16. You’ll use these tiles if you choose to play a more challenging version of the game.
When not playing, you can store all the tiles in this handy tile storage bag. You can also use the bag to store the advanced tiles during the game if they are not in use.
Vinculum is a fun, fast-paced math game that sharpens your skills reducing, expanding, and recognizing fractions and their equivalents. And because you are expanding and reducing against other players to see who recognizes the equivalent first, Vinculum also helps sharpen your observational reflexes.
To set up the basic game, separate the 51 standard fraction tiles – with denominators from 2 to 12 – from the 10 advanced fraction tiles – with denominators 15 and 16.
Place the advanced tiles back in the box, shuffle the remaining tiles and spread them out face down over a tabletop or other flat surface making sure none of the tiles overlap.
Choose one fraction tile, turn it face up, put on your math hat, and get ready to play!
The game begins with the last player who ate a slice of pie. If nobody eats pie, you can substitute a donut.
The first player begins the game by choosing one of the facedown fraction tiles and quickly flipping it over. To avoid the unfair advantage of the “flipper” seeing the fraction before anyone else (and having more time to do the math), the tile should be lifted by the far edge and turned over so all players can see the fraction at the same time. Like so.
Everyone looks at the fraction that was flipped over: is it equivalent to the fraction that is already face up on the table?
If so, players should try to be the first to slap that tile – the one that was face up – because the first one to do so claims it.
For example, if the face up tile is 2/4 and the tile flipped over by the first player is 1/2, players must slap the face up 2/4 tile because 1/2 and 2/4 are, indeed, equivalent fractions. The player who claims it places it – and all subsequent tiles – in a stack face down in front of him.
Now, the tile that was flipped over, in our example’s case, 1/2, becomes the new fraction to be matched. It can be claimed in the next turn.
If the fraction on the tile is NOT equivalent to the face up tile, it remains face up into the next turn – so there are now TWO tiles to match – and the next player flips another tile over. All tiles that are face up are now in play, so players need to do the math on multiple tiles, constantly watching for equivalents.
Play progresses clockwise.
Vinculum can be modified in a couple ways.
For younger players, simply take out the tiles with denominators featuring the number 12. This simplifies the math level.
For more skilled “mathletes,” add in the advanced fraction tiles featuring denominators 15 and 16 to make the game more challenging.
The game ends when all the tiles have been flipped over – and all but the last fraction has been slapped. The player with the most claimed tiles wins the game!
With Simply Fun’s Vinculum, you’ll learn to know – and love – the numbers on both sides of the little line called the vinculum!
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