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
greater than/less than
even & odd
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!
