Fixit Maths

Learning from Mistakes

Pick a stick

A game for 2 or more players

This game gives practise of reading and comparing numbers. Numbers written on the sticks can be chosen to give practise of a particular range of place value, including decimals.

You will need:

  • Lollipop sticks, each with a number written on. Ideally, the digits should align when the sticks are placed beneath each other to aid in comparing them.

    • How to play

    Each player takes 3 sticks and looks at them without showing anyone else.
    Player 1 picks one of their sticks to place face up on the table, then the remaining players take turns to pick one of their sticks to play face up.
    The person who plays the highest number wins all the sticks that were played.
    All players then take another stick from the pot, so everyone has 3 sticks.
    To end the round, every player simultaneously picks a stick from those of the player to their right.
    Rounds continue with players taking turns to go first.
    The winner is the person with the most sticks when there are none left.

    Variations

  • This game can be played with numbers written on cards instead of lollipop sticks
  • Use lollipop sticks with decimal numbers to practise decimal place value