The Ten Game

Ten is an ice – breaking math game. It can be played at the beginning or end of a class and involves strategy, teamwork, predictive skills and (ultimately) ruthlessness. I have been playing ten in my class for about 25 years. I originally started playing it to teach French numbers and originally called it Dix asseyez vous (10 sit down). I am not sure of its origin but my sister who was teaching core French taught me how to play.

The Rules :

Have students stand beside their desks in rows. Start at one side of the class . (always going front to back of class may help). Have students start at 1. They can say 1 or 2 consecutive numbers. So they start 1..2.., the next person says 3 or 3, 4….. 5 or 5,6 , 7 or 7..8.. and so on. If they say 10 they sit down and are out of the game. The person behind them or whoever was next starts at 1 again and the game continues until there are two players still standing and they play off for title of last person standing.

Rows or partners may decide not to get each other out by incorporating a single digit strategy in their vicinity but the game progresses quickly.

This is a fun strategy game and ice breaker for all grade levels.