In recent years, Maria Chiara, in collaboration with Angelica Pesaresi, has introduced board games to elementary schools. The games were carefully selected in agreement with the teachers, prioritizing those with intrinsic mathematical value to align with educational objectives. This thoughtful approach ensured each activity was both engaging and educational, tailored to different games and age groups.

Below is the list of selected games:

QUARTO: This game exemplifies sequential games (as discussed here) and develops logical thinking through its structure. Its engaging mechanics make it one of the most captivating games to introduce in a classroom setting.

QUIRKY CIRCUITS: This charming game, featuring kittens and rotating vacuum cleaners, is a cooperative challenge that requires players to master logical programming—a skill that is becoming increasingly important.

POTION EXPLOSION: In this game, pairs of players worked together to make shared decisions. Choosing the best ingredient to create the longest chain of explosions required strategic thinking and planning several moves ahead.

SONIC SUPERTEAMS: This game encourage cooperative dynamics among the younger players, fostering collaboration and strategy.

TIMELINE: This game is an excellent tool for introducing the concept of timelines. With multiple sets, different groups could play simultaneously, varying the game’s theme while keeping the rules consistent. This approach allowed for a quick explanation and immediate gameplay, maximizing engagement.

TACO CAT GOAT CHEESE PIZZA: This fast-paced game is a must-have in every classroom. Often played during recess, it’s a perennial favorite among students.

WAVELENGTH: An excellent game for stepping into others’ shoes and grappling with the concept of scale. What may be challenging for one person might be easier for another, highlighting the objectivity of numbers and the importance of counting.

PAZZAPAROLA: Perfect for developing language skills and practicing spelling, this game is both educational and fun. With themes that vary each round, it brings out unique aspects of children’s creativity.

FARM AND FURIOUS: This competitive game involves simultaneous card selection, requiring players to anticipate opponents’ moves and strategize the best play. Despite its simplicity, numerous factors come into play, particularly at maximum player count, showcasing the depth of logical thinking required.

SIMILO: When playing Similo, players naturally engage with the concept of negation, a fundamental but often unintuitive idea in mathematics. By building gameplay around this principle, Similo remains a timeless classic in classrooms.

DOBBLE: This game, discussed here, is a prime example of how mathematics can be woven into gameplay! Without realizing it, players encounter concepts from projective geometry through intuitive and visual challenges.

SWEET DREAMS: Each turn players will have to remember the previous players' dream and add a card to continue the dream.

FOXY:  This game is a memory challenge for both childrens and teachers.

Here’s what some of the children said after a classroom survey:

Kitten Game (Quirky circuits): I liked it because we all played together, not in teams or against each other. I liked it because you could move around. I also liked it because there was a timer that showed the exact time.

Foxy: I like memory games.

Quarto: I like it because it’s a smooth-flowing game, and you have to predict your opponent’s move.

Dobble: I like it because it’s a game of attention and speed.