Line ‘em Up
Math Concepts
Ordering numbers to 30
Materials
Sticky notes and Pencil
Players
Whole class or equal-sized groups
Set up
This can be done as a whole group activity. Alternatively, you can break your class into groups of equal size who compete with each other to see which group will be done first.
Create a collection of sticky notes with numbers on them. The numbers do not need to be consecutive, and you can repeat a number if you want. Place one sticky note on the back of each student without letting them see it.
Play
The challenge is for a group to get their members lined up in order as quickly as possible. The difficulty is that they are not allowed to make sounds, they can’t tell each other their numbers in any way, they are not allowed to know their own number, and they are not allowed to see more than two other numbers at a time.
Goal
To be the first group lined up in order.
Discussion and Tips
Discuss and compare the students’ different strategies for lining up quickly.
Variations
Number ranges: Use any range of numbers that your students are ready for.
Use Expressions: Instead of using numbers, you can use expressions. For example, instead of using 42 you can write 6 x 7 on the sticky.
Students make Stickies: Another fun variation is to have a team make sticky notes for the other team.