Fun with Character: Number Battle

Pair up all the students. Each should have something to write on and something with which to write. Have the students sit back-to-back. Each will write down a number between 0 and 10. The player with the higher number gets that number of treats or points minus the amount written by the opponent. For example, if they chose 7 and 5 the student who had chosen the higher number gets 2 treats/points (7 – 5 = 2). Play several rounds and have them keep score. For young students, you may choose to use manipulatives for picking their numbers and determining their points. You may also want to use 0 – 5.

When finished, process the reading with these or similar questions:

• Did you enjoy that game?

• What happens if you both pick 10 all the time? (0 points)

• What combination of numbers produced the highest single score? (10 and 0)

• Would anyone pick 0 on purpose?

• What if you took turns choosing 0 and 10, what would the tally of treats be then? (This is the cooperative wisdom that allows each person to win the most points. If anyone figured this out, ask them to share how they did it?)

• Will you remember the game when you are learning something new?