Number Detective Game

Number detective games combine multiple math concepts (odd/even, comparison, place value) into engaging logical reasoning challenges.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Problem Solving
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Use clues to identify mystery numbers
• Practice number properties
• Develop deductive reasoning

Materials

• Hundred Board
• Clue cards
• Number property reference sheet
• Magnifying glass (optional fun prop)

Instructions

1. 'I'm thinking of a number. Here are the clues.' 2. 'It's between 20 and 50.' (Narrow on Hundred Board) 3. 'It's even.' (Eliminate odd) 4. 'Its digits add to 8.' (26, 44, 80) 5. 'It's greater than 30.' (44) 6. 'The mystery number is 44!' 7. Child creates own detective clues.

Educator tip

Start with 3 clues and increase. Children love being the 'detective' and the 'mystery maker.'

Assessment

Child uses clues to identify numbers and creates own mystery number clues.

More from Mathematics

• Mathematical Story Creating
• Mathematical Patterns in Nature
• Commutative Property Discovery
• Fact Family Triangles
• Introduction to Negative Numbers
• Multiplication as Arrays
• Introduction to Elapsed Time
• Subtraction as Finding the Difference