Seven Variations on the Higher or Lower Game

As you can probably tell by reading this blog, I like having sets of simple math games that I can play with my students with minimal supplies.  You have probably played the game Higher Lower.  I often play it as a sponge when we are lined up to go somewhere and the next teacher isn't ready for us.  I have found several variations to play this game.

1. If you have students that don't have the number system in their head, start with guessing a number 1-100 and have them use a 100 chart to eliminate possibilities. (Click here for a free 100 chart.)

2. Many teachers are using 120 charts and they can be used the same way.  (Click here for a free 120 chart.) This link is now fixed so anyone with this link can download.

3. Play teacher against the class with or without visuals.  Challenge the students to guess the number in 10 guesses.  (They have to listen to each other.)

4. Play the game completely silently except for the one person guessing the number.  Use the arrows on a piece of paper to record higher or lower answers. 

5. Play the game 1-1000.  Students who need the visual can imagine each box on the chart divided into 10 parts or they can add 0s to a row or two to visually multiply the chart by 10.

6. Play the game 1-10,000.  Students who need the chart can imagine each box divided into a hundred smaller boxes.  You can even model that on the first box.

7.  Use the 120 chart, but expand to 1200 and 12,000. 

My students can play this game to 1,000,000 now.  They efficiently work together to narrow the range.  (I also get to review the statistical term: range.)
Let me know in the comments if you have other variations on this game.

This year (July 2015) I enlarged the squares on my 100 chart so they will fit some of the math materials I have on hand.  Click here to download.

Happy Friday!