Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and practice basic arithmetic concepts through fun activities related to Super Mario Odyssey.
Materials and Prep
- Super Mario Odyssey game (Nintendo Switch or other console)
- Pen and paper
- Counting objects (e.g., coins, toy characters)
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
Counting Coins: In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario collects coins. Let's count how many coins Mario collects in a given level. Play a level in the game and keep track of the number of coins Mario collects. Write down the number and practice counting them.
Adding and Subtracting: Mario encounters enemies in the game. Let's practice addition and subtraction by using the enemies. Assign a value (e.g., 10) to each enemy. Create simple addition and subtraction problems using the enemies' values. For example, if Mario defeats two enemies with a value of 10 each, ask how many points he has earned in total. If Mario loses three enemies, ask how many points he has left.
Patterning with Power Moons: Power Moons are important collectibles in Super Mario Odyssey. Create a pattern using Power Moon images or drawings. Ask the student to continue the pattern by selecting the correct image or drawing. For example, if the pattern starts with a Moon, Heart, Moon, Heart, ask the student what comes next.
Preschool Grade Talking Points
- "In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario collects coins. We can count the coins to see how many he has."
- "We can practice addition by adding up the values of the enemies Mario defeats. For example, if he defeats an enemy worth 10 points and another enemy worth 10 points, we can add them together to find the total."
- "Subtraction helps us find out how many enemies Mario has left. If he loses three enemies, we can subtract 3 from his total number of enemies to find out how many he has left."
- "Patterns are fun to create and continue. In Super Mario Odyssey, we can create patterns using Power Moon images or drawings. We can look at the pattern and choose the correct image or drawing to continue it."