About Number Machine
A number goes in on one side, passes through gears marked with rules like +3 or ×2, and a new number comes out. Your child follows each step and taps the result. In some rounds the oldest kids see what came out and work out what went in.
How to play
- Start with the number going into the machine.
- Apply each gear's rule in order and tap the missing number.
- On a computer, press 1 to pick the first answer, 2 for the second.
What your child practices
- Following a rule
- Adding and taking away in steps
- Doubling and times tables
- Working backward
How it grows with your child
LittleAges 4-6
One gear that adds 1 to 3 or takes away 1 or 2.
YoungAges 6-8
One or two gears that add, take away or multiply by 2, 5 or 10.
Big KidsAges 8-11
Two gears mixing adding, taking away, times and halving. Some rounds ask what went in.
Play together
Be the machine: your child says a number, you add 2 and say the result, and they guess your rule.
