Comparing and ordering numbers is a key early years maths skill, and Space Wars Ordering Numbers Game makes it exciting, hands-on, and full of fun! Set in a playful galactic theme, this two-player game encourages students to practise identifying which number is greater and use mathematical language to explain their thinking as they collect alien counters and race to fill their spaceship.

Students take turns drawing number cards (from a range up to 50) and comparing their values. Whoever has the greater number wins an alien counter to add to their ten frame. But watch out for meteors! Drawing a meteor card means losing two of those precious aliens. With elements of chance and strategy, this fast-paced game is perfect for reinforcing number comparison in an engaging, memorable way.

Space Wars Ordering Numbers Game is ideal for use in numeracy rotations, independent maths tubs, small group work, or as a targeted intervention activity. The 10-frame structure promotes subitising and reinforces early place value skills, while the visual theme keeps students engaged and motivated to play again and again.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Compare two numbers up to 50 and identify which is greater
• ✅ Use mathematical language to describe and justify comparisons
• ✅ Develop fluency in recognising numbers to 50
• ✅ Practise using a 10-frame for simple counting and recording
• ✅ Engage in turn-taking and cooperative gameplay

What’s Included

• Number card deck (1–50)
• Meteor cards
• Alien counter templates
• 10-frame spaceship game boards
• Simple instructions for gameplay

Materials Needed

• Printed number and meteor cards
• Scissors and glue (if cutting and assembling)
• Counters, buttons, or printed alien tokens
• Game boards (printed on card or laminated for reuse)
• Timer (optional, for timed play)

How to Use

1. Each player gets a 10-frame spaceship game board and a pile of alien counters.
2. Shuffle the number and meteor cards together to create a draw pile.
3. On each turn, both players draw a card and compare the numbers.
4. The player with the greater number places an alien counter on their spaceship.
5. If a meteor card is drawn, the player must return two aliens (if they have them).
6. The game continues until one player fills their spaceship or the timer runs out.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Include in your maths rotations for reinforcing number comparison
• 💡 Use with small groups during intervention for targeted number work
• 💡 Add to a space-themed week as a cross-curricular maths activity
• 💡 Send home as a parent-friendly maths game using printable components
• 💡 Incorporate the 10-frame to link with early place value or subitising concepts

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print game boards on coloured card and laminate for durability and reuse
• 💛 Replace printed alien tokens with mini pom poms or themed buttons for extra fun
• 💛 Adjust the number range by removing higher cards for early learners or adding challenge with numbers to 100
• 💛 Encourage students to explain their thinking aloud when comparing numbers to build oral reasoning

Space Wars Ordering Numbers Game brings number comparison to life in a playful, strategic way – with every alien earned helping students build number fluency and confidence.