Home > Stage 3 > Represents numbers > The counting game - Decimals
Decimals and percentages: Recognise that the place value system can be extended beyond hundredths
Express thousandths as decimals
Use place value to partition decimals
Decimals and percentages: Compare, order and represent decimals
Compare and order decimal numbers of up to 3 decimal places
Indoor or outdoor playing area
1 ball per student pair
Form student pairs
Players spread around the playing area.
In pairs, players throw and catch the ball while counting backwards aiming to be the player who says zero.
Select a starting number, eg. 1
Then select a decimal unit value, eg. tenths.
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 1 and counting in tenths)
Player A: 1...(throw ball up once and then throw to Player B)
Player B: 0.9, 0.8...(throw ball up twice and throw back to Player A)
Player A: 0.7...
Player B: 0.6...
Player A: 0.5, 0.4...
Player B: 0.3, 0.2, 0.1...
Player A: zero!
Player A collects a counter (or tally mark!)
Move apart and introduce new passes or positions (e.g. rolling along ground, bounce pass).
Play with whole numbers up to 6 digits.
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.