Strategy Games for Thinking

What You'll Learn

🧠 Chess, checkers, and strategy games teach planning ahead. Before you move, think: 'If I do this, what will they do? Then what will I do?' Thinking moves ahead is strategy! Understanding strategic thinking through play is one of the building blocks of strong thinking. Here's how to do it: 1. Look carefully at the problem. What do you see? 2. Think about what you already know. Does this remind you of something? 3. Try an answer! It's totally okay to be wrong — that's how we learn. 4. Check: did it work? If not, try something else! You're building your thinking muscles. The more you practice, the stronger they get!

Key Concept: Strategic thinking through play

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Think About This

👫 You and your friend disagree about something. How can strategic thinking through play help you figure out who's right — or if you're BOTH a little right?

Thinking Steps

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👀 What Do I See?

Look at the problem about strategic thinking through play. What do you notice?

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🤔 What Do I Know?

What do you already know that could help? Have you seen something like this before?

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💡 What's My Idea?

Think of an answer. Can you think of a second one too?

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⭐ What Did I Learn?

Check your answer. Was it right? What did you figure out? Tell someone!

Key Points

Master strategic thinking through play

Apply planning & strategy in real situations

Build habits of planning & strategy

Key Vocabulary

Plan

Thinking about what to do before you do it

Goal

Something you want to achieve

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Why This Matters in Real Life

Grown-ups use planning strategy every day in their jobs. The practice you're doing now builds skills that last a lifetime!

Talk About It

Discuss these questions with a friend, parent, or classmate.

1Can you explain strategic thinking through play to a friend using your own words?
2What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
3Draw a picture of what you learned and show it to someone!

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

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What is the main idea of strategic thinking through play?