Front Runner
Front Runner
2-6 players • 30 min • 8 & up
Focus: Algebra
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Ready to gallop ahead with algebra? Solve advanced equations and factor your way through three challenge levels to boost your horse to the Front Runner. Get your math game on and race to victory!
Skills: Algebra, Factors
Game Includes
Game Includes
- 1 Game Board
- 22 Equation Cards
- 6 Second Wind Cards
- 6 Nose Ahead Cards
- 6 Horse Pawns
- 6 Silk Markers
- 2 Order of Operations Reference Cards
- 1 Ten Sided Dice
- 2 Six Sided Dice
- 1 Rules Booklet
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How to Play
Educational Standards
Core Standard*: Math
Math
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking
- Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in arithmetic. Grade Level 3rd
- Gain familiarity with factors and multiples. Grade Level 4th
- Number and Operations in Base Ten
- Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract. Grade Level 4th
- Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic. Grade Level 3rd
- Standards for Mathematical Practice
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Grade Levels 3rd, 4th
- Model with mathematics. Grade Levels 3rd, 4th
- Use Look for and make use of structure. Grade Levels 3rd, 4th
Skills
Determine
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players need to determine the math solution provided on the Equation or Nose Ahead Card.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Parents should give children as much time as needed to solve the equations. If children are having difficulty, remind them to use the Order of Operation cards and to write out the equations on a piece of paper.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Front Runner is a great game for teaching operations involving addition, subtraction and multiplication; as well as learning factors.Educators should give children as much time as needed to solve the equations. If children are having difficulty, remind them to use the Order of Operation cards and to write out the equations on a piece of paper. Encourage children to choose a level they can master before moving up to the next level.
Compare
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
When using the Nose Ahead Cards, players need to compare different numbers and resulting factors in order to decide which number moves their horse(s) while, hopefully, not moving an opponents'.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Parents should give children as much time as needed to solve the equations. If children are having difficulty, encourage them to use pen and paper to figure out different factor options. And, if needed, tell them 2 or 3 numbers and ask them which provide the factor(s) they are looking for.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Front Runner is a great game for teaching operations involving addition, subtraction and multiplication; as well as learning factors.Educators should give children as much time as needed to solve the equations. If children are having difficulty, encourage them to use pen and paper to figure out different factor options. And, if needed, tell them 2 or 3 numbers and ask them which provide the factor(s) they are looking for. Children can also work in pairs to support each other.
Experiment
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players lightly experiment when playing the Nose Ahead Cards by trying out numerous different options to find the number the provides the factor(s) they need.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
Parents should give children as much time as needed to solve the equations. If children are having difficulty, encourage them to use pen and paper to figure out different factor options. And, if needed, tell them 2 or 3 numbers and ask them which provide the factor(s) they are looking for.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
Front Runner is a great game for teaching operations involving addition, subtraction and multiplication; as well as learning factors. Educators should give children as much time as needed to solve the equations. If children are having difficulty, encourage them to use pen and paper to figure out different factor options. And, if needed, tell them 2 or 3 numbers and ask them which provide the factor(s) they are looking for.
Practice
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Front Runner allows players to practice their math skills in operations and factors.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
The more children play Front Runner, the more proficient they will become in operations and factors. As children become more skilled, encourage them to play the middle and then hard problems.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
The more children play Front Runner, the more proficient they will become in operations and factors. As children become more skilled, require them to play the middle and then hard problems.
Solve
What Does Child Do To Use Skill In The Game?
Players solve math problems in order to win the game.
How Parents Can Assist Learning
If a child says the incorrect amount, parents can ask them to explain how they solved the equation to see where they made the miscalculation. Show the child and help them redo the equation correctly.
Learning Implications and Educator Support
If a child says the incorrect amount, educators can ask them to explain how they solved the equation to see where they made the miscalculation. Show the child and help them redo the equation correctly. Children can also help each other think about why a solution was incorrect.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Special Needs
Cognitive
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Front Runner is not recommended for children with cognitive delay who cannot understand factor
Children who can do simple equations can play the game by choosing only the simple level. Do not use about the factors cards.
Communication
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Encourage children to write down their thinking process. They can then describe what they wrote. This is easier than trying to generate the language needed without a visual support. Children who cannot describe what they wrote down can show their written results to other players.
Sensorimotor
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Place horses flat on the board to make them more stable for children with fine motor concerns. Other players can also move a horse forward, if needed.
Social Emotional/Behavioral
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Children who have difficulty with math may find this game very frustrating. The game is not recommended for children with emotional or behavioral problems, unless math is a strength.
If children are impulsive, remind them to take each problem one step at a time. Use the direction cards to cue them to do the steps in order.
Vision
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Use large plastic numbers to recreate the selected equation on the table in front of the child with vision problems. Allow the child to manipulate plastic numbers to solve the problem as well.
Use a magnifying glass to be able to see the equations.
Hearing
Suggestions for How to Modify Play Experience
Children need to hear another player's solution to their problem. Have players write down what they are figuring so hearing impaired children can see what is being thought out.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Autism
Autism Strengths & Interests
Short Summary of Strengths & Interests
- Likes and is good at math, especially factors.
- Prefers activities that follow concrete rules.
- Is good at logical reasoning.
Is good at matching visual items
This game is not appropriate
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
Front Runner involves using equation patterns to solve math problems. Children who are good at following the rules of mathematics will like this game. If children understand factors and have a good memory, this game will be one they can easily play to challenge siblings and peers.
Likes to put things in order or a sequence
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Children who like order and sequencing things will like the aspect of the game that asks them to sequence the dice in the order of the number values on the dice when rolled. They also have to solve equations in the right order to get the answer correct. The same routine is followed for each turn, so it is predictable.
Learns through visualizing or "replaying" actions in their mind
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Players may "nose ahead" if they are behind by selecting a number with a factor that advances them while limiting the advancement of other players. This requires children to examine the numbers of the players who are ahead on the board. Then, they must visualize and compare numbers that have their number(s) of their Horse(s) as a factor, but do not have their opponents' numbers as a factor. This is a higher-level skill that children with advanced math skills may enjoy.
Likes activities with rules, such as math and phonics
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Math is rule-based, and Front Runner incorporates the rules to follow on cards to remind the players of what they should do. Most children with autism 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)
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
The long equations in the game are broken down into smaller sets of problems. These are "chunks" which can be combined together into a larger concept. This chunking allows children to visualize and solve one small equation at a time.
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 quickly (such as factors).
Likes spatial problem solving
Is This Game Appropriate? Yes
Description
Spatial problem solving is involved as the horses separate in the race. Children who like spatial problem solving will use that skill in order to decide when to draw a "nose ahead" card to be able to catch up to other horses.
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
Front Runner requires players to learn the steps for each turn, be able to follow the math rules, and move their horses in response to correct answers. Children with autism who have good math skills will appreciate the predictable routine for each turn and structure of the math problems.
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? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Players need to follow each others calculations to determine if answers were correct. Front Runner is not recommended for children who cannot attend to others' communication.
Has difficulty understanding complex verbal directions
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Front Runner has complex directions. Not recommended.
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:
This characteristic should not be problematic as long as it does not interfere with the child's own or other players' thinking. If echolalia is extreme the game is not recommended, as players need to be able to focus their thinking on equations.
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? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Flexible thinking is required for players to choose a problem level and shift between math operations. Players also have to follow each others' thinking as they solve the problem.
Has difficulty producing speech/communication
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 play can be done without talking if turns are taken in writing. For example, a child could indicate the level of problem with fingers, then compute the answer on a piece of paper to share with other players.
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:
Front Runner is not recommended for children who have difficulty processing complex or abstract information.
Demonstrates difficulty initiating and maintaining social interactions
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Players must pay attention to others' play and be able to comment.
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:
Unless math is a preferred activity, Front Runner may be extremely frustrating for some children with special needs. The game is abstract in nature, so may be overwhelming to many. Some children with Asberger syndrome may have talent for math and find the game calming.
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? Yes
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Unless math is a preferred activity, Front Runner may be extremely frustrating for some children with special needs. The game is abstract in nature, so may be overwhelming to many. Some children with Asberger syndrome may have and talent for math. In this case, the game may hold their attention for a long period of play.
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 every day, so the child anticipates the game routine.
Change the location of the game, so the child may play in different rooms, at the table, or on the floor. This will build tolerance for variation.
Prepare the child ahead time for the introduction of a new game. Talk about aspects that will be motivating for the child, and let them explore the parts of the game before setting out the whole game.
Involve the child verbally and with actions for the transition to the game table or at the end of game play. For example, you might say, "Here's a horse, let's see what horseshoe spaces it can move to?"
Has difficulty understanding others' feelings, intentions, and the reasons for others' actions.
Is This Game Appropriate for Child with Characteristic? No
Can Child with Characteristic Play Game w/o Modification? No
Strategies for Developing Compensatory Skills:
Players have to understand the intentions of other players on their turn and follow their thinking.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
Extended Play
Extra Ways to Play the Game
Choose the easiest level of play for all players or whatever level the lowest level player is on.
Materials Needed
No additional materials needed.
Developmental Benefits
Having all players choose the same level of equation allows children to hear all players verbalize their solution. Children thus will get more practice understanding equations at their own level of understanding. If higher level players go through complex equations, lower level children will be likely to "tune out."
Extra Ways to Play the Game
If players are proficient in math, play with a timer. Pick an amount of time for each player, such as 1 minute for all players, or a longer duration for less experienced players.
Materials Needed
A timer.
Developmental Benefits
This added constraint creates extra excitement and helps children learn to perform under pressure in a safe environment.
Extra Ways to Play the Game
If players are proficient in math, play the game in rounds. In the first round, play the easy problem. On the next round, play the middle problem. On the third round, play the hard problem. Repeat from the beginning.
Materials Needed
No additional materials needed.
Developmental Benefits
This adds variation which increases motivation to keep playing the game and, therefore, increasing math skills.
*Data compiled from CCSSI ELA Standards, WA Science Standards, and Washington Social Studies Standards
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How to Play Video & Transcript
In this session, we’ll be doing math at the races with Simply Fun’s Front Runner, a fast-paced game of skill and chance that will have you cheering your horse to the finish line by solving equations to move ahead on the board. You’ve never had so much fun doing math!
You can play Front Runner with 2 to 6 players, and it’s best played with players ages 8 and up.
In every Front Runner game box, you’ll find:
• one game board
• twenty two equation cards
• six second wind cards
• six nose ahead cards
• six horse pawns
• six silk markers
• two Order of Operations reference cards
• one ten sided die
• two six sided dice
• one rules booklet
Front Runner is a fun math game with three levels of equations that allows kids of different math abilities to play together. The common “factor” is the factor: the number that breaks down other numbers. Players use Order of Operations principles to help them solve equations and win the game. The first horse to cross the finish line wins the race!
To set up the game, place the game board so that all players can easily reach it. Place each Horse Pawn on the starting Silk Space that matches their color and number. Place all six Silk Markers on the table, face down, and shuffle them around.
Players take turns flipping over the markers to reveal the color and number of the Horse Pawn that represents them in the race. During the game, you will move not only your own Horse Pawn forward, but also the Pawns of other players. Just keep an eye out for your position on the board!
There are different rules for varying numbers of players, so refer to the instruction book for Horse Pawn assignments.
Shuffle the Equation Cards (including the Second Wind cards) and place them face down for form a draw pile. Do the same with the Nose Ahead cards. Finally, set aside the Order of Operations reference cards. Although not included in the Front Runner game box, players may want to get extra paper and a pencil for working out equations.
Now we’re off to the races!
The starting player draws an Equation Card from the pile and chooses which equation – Large, Medium or Small – he wishes to solve BEFORE turning the card over. He then turns it over and places it in front of him.
Next, he rolls all three dice (one 10-sided and two 6-sided) and arranges them, left to right, from the largest number to the smallest. Not every equation will require all the dice. Place the unused die off to the side.
Finally, he plugs the rolled numbers into appropriate spots in the equation (L, M, S) and solves the equation to determine which numbers (2 through 7) are factors of the solution. He then moves ALL the Horse Pawns (including his own) that represent those factors ONE HORSESHOE SPACE forward on the game board.
When solving equations with multiple operators, players should consult the Order of Operations card and solve accordingly.
There are a couple variables in Front Runner.
Equation cards with gold backgrounds are called Second Wind cards. If a player draws one of these, he has the option to re-roll all three dice to get new numbers and solve the same equation with a different result.
If a player is falling behind, he can choose to use a Nose Ahead card for a chance to make up some ground. Refer to the instruction booklet for rules on “nosing” ahead.
The game ends when the first Horse Pawn crosses the finish line. If it’s your horse, you win!
≈In case of a tie, the players that tied take turns rolling all three dice. Then, the player with the highest total wins.
Exercise your math factoring skills to make your horse the front-runner. With Front Runner, when you cross the finish line, you literally win by a factor. And we’re not just horsing around!
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