Place Value and Number Sense Games

Over the past week, I have taught the students a few games that help with number sense, place value and even some logic.  The kids have really enjoyed these so I thought I would share them with you!  Playing some math games at home is a fun way to get the whole family involved without feeling like you are doing school work.  The students should know how to play, but here are some basic guidelines:

Guess My Number

In this game, start with a number line, labeled at each end, with your number labeled in the appropriate spot as a question mark.

In this example, my number line is 0 to 100, but you can do anything you want!  The other day, we did 200 to 300, 100 to 200, 0 to 500, just increase difficulty as you go!

As numbers are guessed, draw them on the number line in the appropriate spot to help the guessers get closer to your number.

Yes, it is just like when we guess numbers and people say "higher" or "lower," but seeing it on a number line is a great way to visualize it.  (I think Wal-Mart has white boards for $2! :) )

Place Value Game

This game is really as much to do with logic as it is place value.  The trick is to make sure the numbers that are guessed are being stated properly.  Rather than just listing numbers as they go in the columns, make sure they are spoken correctly.  This game may also be adjusted/increased to a variety of digits in the number.

In this game, a check mark indicates a digit is in the correct place, a dot indicates that digit is somewhere in the number, but not in the right place value and an X indicates that that digit does not appear in the number.  So, a game could go something like this:

(Each row indicates a different guess.)

Sum What Dice

You will need two dice (or one dice twice) for this game.  Write out each digit one to nine.  You can each do this and compete for the lowest score or play together.  Object of the game is to cover the most digits on the board.  Your score is determined by adding together the remaining numbers on the board.  Like in golf, lowest score wins the game, so leaving a 9 uncovered is NOT the same as leaving a 1.  Roll the dice.

In this example I rolled a 2 and a 4.  Those digits add to 6.  I may either cover 2 and 4 or 6 OR any two digits that add to 6.  I chose to cover 6.

In the next roll, I rolled 3 and 3.  Since there is only one 3, I can't cover what the dice say.  I already covered 6, so I can't cover that.  I chose to cover 5 and 1 because their sum is also 6.  Play continues until you cannot cover what is rolled. 

Have fun!