Above all.. SMITE is meant to be a fun activity for adults and children. However, the SMITE set can be used in a variety of ways which combine P.E. and maths.
The actual game of SMITE uses many maths concepts which could be used at K.S.2 and above ...:keeping running totals, using subtraction and addition to calculate target numbers, number bonds, calculating number combinations to reach totals etc.....
Having used the game with Y 4, 5 and 6 it has become clear to us that the sets could be used mathematically in a variety of different ways, many of which could be applied to younger children.
- Using a relay format, teams could race to bring back pins (in order) and replace in the box.
- Develop this idea fetching pins that show H T U...e.g. 327,etc going on to 4 or 5 digit nos.(pins to be replaced in boxes showing correct place value)
- Ditto using even/ odd nos.
- Relays returning differences between two numbers, or totals of two or three nos. This could be used for multiplication and division sums---target nos. could be brought back so that strategy could be worked out
- Make the largest no. possible using e.g. 10, 9, 7 and 6--lots of place value work…
- Use stop watches to time racing activities.
- Each team has the same 4/5/6 digit no. written on a piece of paper-face down. First team to bring back that no. in the correct order.
- Bring back 3 no. that make 21, or 4 nos. that make 30. Discussion needed as there is only one of each no. in the box.
- Fractions and percentages relays.
- Use bean bags with younger children instead of the wooden Smiter.
Four SMITE boxes--pooled by clusters??- would occupy a class of 24-30.They can be used indoors on a carpet or P.E. mat or outside (the preferred option!) on grass, sand or gravel.
