Number War

Step by step

1. 1Print two sets of 1 to 10 cards (with dots and numbers) and cut them out together.
2. 2Deal all the cards face down into two equal stacks.
3. 3Flip your top cards over at the same time and read the numbers out loud.
4. 4Compare cards: the highest number wins the pile—and say it out loud ("7 is bigger than 4, I win!"). If losing brings tears, remind them that cards cycle back, and count up your stacks together at the end.
5. 5If it's a tie, declare war! Place down another card—that's the most exciting part of the game.
6. 6Level it up: start with 1 to 5 cards (dots only) for beginners, then move to 1 to 20, play "lowest number wins", or add two cards together.

What it builds

By constantly figuring out whether 7 is bigger than 4, comparing numbers becomes second nature. It's the foundation of number sense, and nothing builds it better than a good old game of War.