Here's a unique activity for children to use what they know about number order and comparisons. It can be used as a math center game for partners, in a small group, or as a whole group activity.
Using an ordinary meter stick, yard stick, or plastic measuring tape, children work (play?) with a partner to guess a secret number. Player 1 secretly writes a number represented on the meter stick. Player 2 tries to guess the number. As the guessing continues, Player 1 gives hints by telling his partner if the guesses are greater than or less than the secret number. The range becomes more narrow as children use their knowledge of comparing numbers and number order to give clues about the secret number.
This activity is appropriate for 1st or 2nd grade or can be adapted for varying ability levels by choosing a measuring instrument with different range of numbers (i.e. a meter stick for numbers from 1 to 100; a yard stick for numbers from 1 to 36, etc.)
This activity was created by Terry Palmieri and enjoyed by 1st and 2nd grade students.