Near 20 - Maths Game

'Near 20'-A maths game to develop quick mental thinking!

How to play:

1. Use a deck of cards with numbers from 0-9.
2. Each player receives 5 cards. 
3. Each player chooses 3 of the cards to make a total as close to 20 as possible.
4. The players' score for the round is the difference between 20 and their combination.
5. At the end of each round the players discard the cards used and collect new ones for the next round.
6. The players keep a score of their differences on a 'Near to 20' recording sheet.
7. The lowest score after 5 rounds is the winner!

Maths games are fun and motivating and they provide many
opportunities to practise and consolidate important maths strategies.

Questioning, problem solving and reflecting are important skills
that are used throughout these games.
How can I choose a combination of numbers
that could be closer to 20?

Using effective mental strategies, like bridging to 10 and doubles,
strengthens children's deep understanding of
mathematical concepts.

You can play this game very easily at home by creating your own recording sheet and using numbers from a deck of cards. Ask your child to explain the game to you.

Understanding why maths learning looks different in the 21st Century is important for us to know. Please read this short article, published by the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) which describes some changes in maths teaching and learning.