How to Play Mancala

In this video, I teach how to play Mancala--a fun, simple game with rocks and a special board with cups. (It used to be played on the ground, with little holes in the dirt.)

What is it about this game that almost every kid loves it? I think it's how tactile it is. It's really soothing to touch those rocks.

I also use it as a math game for grades K-2. There is some counting strategy involved when figuring out where to start.

I like that mixed ages, from K to adult, can play together and have it still be a pretty fair game. This is one of my top picks for after school programs or as a family game.

For more ways to turn math into play, download our free ebook, Five Foolproof Ways to Help Kids Love Math at the link below.