Number in the Middle – Elementary Math

Purpose

To identify the number that comes before and after a given number.

Materials

a number line 0 to 10

Overview

Use a number line when first introducing this activity, then gradually work toward playing without it. Secretly pick a number from 1 to 10 and tell children the number that comes before it and the number that comes after it on the number line. Have children guess your number. After several turns, have children think of a number and give the before and after clues to the class. To challenge children, you might have them find a number that is 2 before or 2 after.

number line

About the sequence

Part 1 begins with identifying numbers that come before and after a number 1 to 10 using a number line. Part 2 has the children think of a number and give the before and after clues. The extension repeats the game from Part 2 with numbers 1 to 19.

Part 1

I’m thinking of a secret number between 1 and 10. I’ll tell you the number that comes before it and the number that comes after it and you try to guess my secret number using the number line.

Examples:

6, 8 (secret number: 7)
1, 3 (secret number: 2)
5, 7 (secret number: 6)
3, 5 (secret number: 4)
8, 10 (secret number: 9)

While children are enjoying their building of mastery, feel free to repeat. When children are eager for more, try Part 2.

Part 2

Now choose a child to think of a secret number between 1 and 10 and repeat the activity.

As always, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move on.

Extension

Now choose a child to think of a secret number between 1 and 19, telling the number that comes before it and the number that comes after it as clues.

Examples:

16, 18 (secret number: 17)
11, 13 (secret number: 12)
9, 11 (secret number: 10)
15, 17 (secret number: 16)
9, 11 (secret number: 10)