Number Riddles: 3rd & 4th Place Value Game | Build & Describe 3-4 Digit Numbers

“Number Riddles” turns your 3rd and 4th grade students into math detectives! This creative game is designed to help students identify numbers based on place value descriptions while providing opportunities to think critically about number representation. It integrates math and writing skills and allows students to become place-value masters while having fun!

Aligned with the Math Expressions curriculum, it fits seamlessly into your math centers and small-group instruction. 

This Resource Includes:

⭐️ Number Cards: Printable cards for building numbers in expanded form. (Use your Secret Code Cards if you're a Math Expressions user.)

⭐️ Recording Sheet: A sheet for students to record each number they build and its expanded form.

NOT included: index cards and dice

How to Play:

1. Roll a Dice: Students will roll a die 3 or 4 times to create a 3 or 4-digit number, depending on the difficulty level.
2. Write Riddles: Write the number on the back of an index card. On the other side, craft a riddle with at least three clues about the number’s place value.
3. Trade & Solve: Exchange cards with a partner. Each student uses the clues to identify and build the number in expanded form with the number cards. Record each number and its expanded form on the recording sheet.

Objectives:

✅ Place Value Identification: Reinforce place value understanding through number riddles and clues.

✅ Creative Clue Writing: Encourage students to think about different ways to describe numbers based on their place value.

✅ Expanded Form Practice: Strengthen skills in building and understanding expanded form notation.

This game emphasizes understanding place value by having students describe and identify numbers based on their place value clues. Ideal for small group practice, math centers, or early finisher activities. Math Expressions Users swap the number cards with your Secret Code Cards for seamless integration.