Do you need an easy math warm up?
PLAY – GUESS MY NUMBER
How do you play?
- Decide on a number range-for example start with numbers between 1-120.
- Choose a secret number
- Students then have 10 questions to guess the secret number
- After each question, write down the numbers eliminated.
- To help students see eliminated numbers, use a chart.

The students win if they can guess the secret number in 10 questions or less.
Why use this math warm up?
Students can practice number skills such as
1. Greater than/less than
2.Even & odd
3. Place Value
After the math warm up, discuss questions that were helpful in narrowing down the secret number.
For example, “Which question removed more numbers?”
Question A: “Is the number 5?” or Question B: “Is the number even?”
Using the number chart students can see that question B would eliminate more numbers.
As students get better at choosing their questions, you can increase the number range 1-500 for example.
More Ideas
This math warm up can be used with the whole class, small groups and even as a time filler.
Finally, once students understand how to play, they could play in partners.
Each partner circles their secret number on a number chart. They take turns asking questions to guess their partner’s number.
Grab a bundle of resources here for learning about the 120 number chart!
Read about more ideas for number sense 👇
Supporting you all the way!