Number Riddles: Free Printable Game for Year 3

Number Riddles is a free printable game for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. I am a number with... who am I? It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.

It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea, and the answers. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

This game includes numbered questions with space to answer.

A look at what children will meet:

• I am a number between 20 and 30. I am in the 5 times table.
• I am double 12.
• I am the number of days in a week plus 10.
• I am half of 60.
• I am 4 tens and 6 ones.
• I am a multiple of 10. I am between 60 and 80.
• I am 100 take away 1.
• I am 3 times 9.

Who this is for

Year 3 (ages 7 to 8) in Key Stage 2.

Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11. Children are widening what they know and getting better at explaining their thinking, so activities that ask them to reason, not only recall, are especially useful. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.

What children practise

• Place value
• Reasoning
• Problem solving

Children use clues about number properties to find a mystery number.

Learning focus and curriculum link

Subject: Maths. Key stage: Key Stage 2. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.

This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
2. Two players take turns, about 15 minutes. Read aloud together and use a number line if needed.
3. Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
4. Check against the notes on page 2 and the answers.
5. Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

If it feels too hard

Use a hundred square to cross out numbers that do not fit.

To stretch confident children

Write three riddles of your own with two clues each.

Make it a game

One player thinks of a number and gives clues until the other guesses it.

Tips for parents and teachers

• Read the rules out loud together before you start, so everyone plays the same game.
• Take turns being the person who reads or checks. It builds listening as well as knowledge.
• Keep rounds short. Two quick games beat one long one.

A screen-free maths activity for Year 3

Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free maths activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.

Free maths resources for teachers

Teachers can use this game as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.

Maths ideas for parents at home

You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free maths worksheets for Year 3, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.

Home education and tutoring

Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.

Why it helps children learn

Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.

Curriculum links for teachers

This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.

What children will be able to do

• I can use clues about a number to work out what it is.
• I can talk about tens and ones in a number.
• I can write my own number riddle.

Check it worked

Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.

1. Which clue helped you most, and why?
2. How did you rule out the other numbers?
3. Can you give me a riddle for the number 250?

More like this

• 2 Digit by 1 Digit Multiplying
• Adding 9 and 11 Mentally
• Advent Maths Countdown
• Advent Maths Countdown

Same subject, one year up: Fact Family Triangle Cards | Same subject, one year down: Conker Games

Frequently asked questions

What age is Number Riddles for?

It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2.

What will children practise?

Children use clues about number properties to find a mystery number.

How do I use it?

Two players take turns, about 15 minutes. Read aloud together and use a number line if needed.

What if it feels too hard?

Use a hundred square to cross out numbers that do not fit.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.

Is Number Riddles suitable for teachers to use in class?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.

Is this a screen-free activity?

Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.

Can I use it for home education?

Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.

How long does it take?

Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.

Do I need to print in colour?

No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.

More free printables

More Rainy Day printables | More for Key Stage 2 | More maths printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources