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Number Sequencing

 

 

Subjects

  • Mathematics
  • Language Arts

Grade

  • Pre K
  • K-2
  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12

Brief Description

A little luck and a lot of strategy are in play with Sequence Surprise, a game that has students place numbers in what they hope will be perfect sequential order. (See the Variations section for a version of the game that is perfect for Language Arts classrooms.)

Objectives

Students

  • place numbers strategically to produce a sequential list.
  • play fairly.
  • record their score.

Keywords

game, number, order, sequence

Materials Needed

  • paper and pencils
  • slips of paper with numbers 1-25

Lesson Plan

This quick game is the perfect way to make a few free minutes at the end of class both fun and educational. Start by preparing slips of paper labeled with the numbers 1-25. Fold and mix the papers. Place them in a container or paper bag if desired.

Next, have the students draw four short lines in a row on their papers ( _____ _____ _____ _____ ). Draw a number and announce it. The students must predict where this number will fall in sequential order and write it on one of the lines. Once a position for a number is chosen, it cannot be changed. For example, if the number 25 is called, a wise player would place it on the last line, but 4 might be placed on the first line. This game involves both skill and a little luck!

Continue until you have announced four numbers. Have a student with the correct order share it with the class. Students who chose wisely and have their numbers in order may award themselves one point for this round. Play continues until time is up.

Variations

  • For younger students, make this game simpler by using fewer numbers, like 1-10. Older students might tackle more numbers, or the game might include negative integers. You might also read more numbers, or have the students try to list the numbers from largest to smallest.
  • For another type of challenge, use the letters A to Z or words that must be alphabetized.

    Assessment

    The students with the most points shall be declared the winners.

    Lesson Plan Source

    Education World

    Submitted By

    Cara Bafile

    National Standards

    MATHEMATICS: Number and Operations
    GRADES Pre-K - 2
    NM-NUM.PK-2.1 Understand Numbers, Ways of Representing Numbers, Relationships Among Numbers, and Number Systems
    GRADES 3 - 5
    NM-NUM.3-5.1 Understand Numbers, Ways of Representing Numbers, Relationships Among Numbers, and Number Systems
    GRADES 6 - 8
    NM-NUM.6-8.1 Understand Numbers, Ways of Representing Numbers, Relationships Among Numbers, and Number Systems
    GRADES 9 - 12
    NM-NUM.9-12.1 Understand Numbers, Ways of Representing Numbers, Relationships Among Numbers, and Number Systems

    Find more great learning games in Education World's Learning Games Archive.