Kindly analyse the ways in which the game Mancala/ Oware can aid in numeracy and strategic thinking. Provide a lesson plan to teach it to primary school children, incorporating aspects of game history especially about the wide geographic spread of the game. The lesson plan should enable for game based learning and exploration and explication of the higher mathematical and strategic concepts of the game
Introduction:
Mancala/Oware is a two-player strategy game that has been played for centuries 
in various parts of the world. It is a simple game that can help in developing 
numeracy and strategic thinking skills among primary school children. The game 
involves a board with holes and stones, where players take turns to move stones 
in a specific pattern, with the aim of capturing as many stones as possible.

Objectives:

- To introduce primary school children to the game of Mancala/Oware
- To develop numeracy skills by counting and adding stones
- To develop strategic thinking skills by making decisions on how to move stones
- To learn about the history and wide geographic spread of the game

Materials:

- A Mancala/Oware board
- 48 small stones or seeds

Procedure:

1. Introduction to the game: The teacher will introduce the game to the 
students by showing them a Mancala/Oware board and explaining the rules of 
the game.
2. Historical background: The teacher will talk about the history of the game, 
its origin, and its wide geographic spread, emphasizing the cultural 
significance of the game in different parts of the world.
3. Demonstration: The teacher will demonstrate how to play the game by playing 
a round with a volunteer student.
4. Game-based learning: The students will be divided into pairs and will play a 
game of Mancala/Oware.
5. Reflection and exploration: After the game, the students will reflect on the 
strategies they used during the game and explore mathematical concepts such as 
counting and adding stones.
6. Concluding activity: The students will present their reflections on the game 
to the class, explaining their strategies and the mathematical concepts they 
learned.

Assessment:

- Observing the students during the game and their reflections after the game.
- Encouraging the students to ask questions and discuss their strategies with 
their classmates.

Conclusion:
Playing Mancala/Oware is an excellent way to develop numeracy and strategic thinking skills among primary school children. The game helps students to understand mathematical concepts such as counting and adding while also developing their strategic thinking skills by making decisions on how to move stones. The history and wide geographic spread of the game make it an excellent tool for exploring cultural significance and promoting cultural awareness.