Embedded Files
Home > Stage 2 > Representing numbers using place value > The counting game
Suggested content:
Suggested content:
Whole numbers: Read, represent and order numbers to thousands
Count forwards and backwards by tens and hundreds on and off the decade
Equipment
Equipment
Indoor or outdoor playing area
1 ball per student pair
Activity set-up
Activity set-up
Form student pairs
Players spread around the playing area.
How to play
How to play
In pairs, players throw and catch the ball while counting backwards aiming to be the player who says zero.
Select a starting number, eg. 110.
Then select a unit value, eg. tens.
The goal is to be the player who says zero.
Players throw the ball into the air and catch it themselves each time they say a number. They then throw it to their partner to continue counting.
Players can count back by saying the next 1, 2 or 3 number words in the tens sequence while throwing the ball into the air to catch themselves.
Players collect a counter (or a tally mark) if they say zero.
A new target number is chosen and players play again.
For example:
Target number 0 (starting at 110 and counting in tens)
Player A: 100...(throw ball up once and then throw to Player B)
Player B: 90, 80...(throw ball up twice and throw back to Player A)
Player A: 70...
Player B: 60...
Player A: 50, 40...
Player B: 30, 20, 10...
Player A: zero!
Player A collects a counter (or tally mark!)
Variations
Variations
Move apart and introduce new passes or positions (e.g. rolling along ground, bounce pass).
Students choose the counting sequence and starting number.
Count forwards.
Swap partners at the completion of each counting sequence.
Vary the ball type and size used.
Page updated
Report abuse