Developing Number Sense with the Number Line Mystery Game

Want to play a super fun, easy game to teach number sense with the number line? Then, this is the game for you.  Our kids love this game, and ask to play it all year. Here's how you play:

You can use any deck of cards. I make decks to match the various seasons so that we can play all year.  You can also change the number pattern on the cards. This game is a 1-10 game. You can also make it 1-20 or a skip counting pattern. You choose depending on what you are teaching!

Getting Ready to Play

• First, you need 4 sets. I have ladybug, dragonfly, butterfly and caterpillar sets.
• Place a card for each set and NO numeral in a column on the left side. 
• Shuffle the 40 cards.
• Lay them facedown in 4 rows to create an array.

Playing the Game

• Invite one child to turn over ANY card.
• Look to see what is on the card. (4 ladybug)
• Decide on which row (set) the card belongs.
• Decide where on the row the card belongs.
• Always ask, "How did you know?" to allow children to share their thinking.

• Once the correct location is decided, remove the card (4 butterfly) that is laying face down in that location.
• Lay the 4 ladybug down.
• Hand the second child the next card (4 butterfly).

• Once the correct location is decided, remove the card that is laying face down in that location.
• Decide on which row (set) the card (4 butterfly) belongs.
• Decide where on the row the card belongs.
• Always ask, "How did you know?" to allow children to share their thinking.

• The game continues until all of the 40 cards are turned over and in the correct location.

This game comes from this Insects and Bugs unit.