Skip the Worksheets: Try This Fun “Would You Rather” Math Game
- Math Happiness Project
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Math doesn’t have to be all about worksheets, workbooks, and flashcards! One of our favorite ways to spark mathematical curiosity at home or in the classroom is through a simple yet powerful activity you might already know from the non-math world: “Would You Rather?”
In this game, you present two scenarios, and your child chooses which one they’d rather have and explains why. In our math version, though, all of the scenarios involve mathematical thinking.
We first discovered this approach while teaching children and working with student teachers. It quickly became a favorite because of how easily it engages learners of all ages in a low-pressure, high-thinking way.
How “Would You Rather” Math Works
At its core, Would You Rather math invites kids to think deeply about numbers and comparisons. Instead of memorizing steps or rushing to a single right answer, they consider two scenarios, make a choice, and explain their reasoning using math ideas.
What makes this approach powerful is its focus on sense-making, not just computation. Kids begin to notice relationships between numbers (like fractions, percents, or money amounts) and articulate why one choice might make more sense than another.
Because the emphasis is on reasoning, rather than finding one right answer, learners feel more comfortable responding to the question and sharing their thinking. Over time, this builds both understanding and confidence, helping them see math as something they can make sense of — not something to just get “right” or “wrong.”
Examples of “Would You Rather” Math Questions
Here are a few examples you can try at home. Be sure to consider the age of your child as you select appropriate questions:
Would you rather have 10 apples or 8 bananas for a snack?
Would you rather do 15 jumping jacks or 12 hops?
Would you rather have 5 toy cars or 2 toy cars and 4 toy trucks?
Would you rather have 2 cookies today and 3 tomorrow or 4 cookies today and no cookies tomorrow?
Would you rather share 10 crackers with 1 friend or 12 crackers with 2 friends?
Would you rather receive 50% off a $60 item or get $25 off the same item?
Would you rather have 3/4 of a large pizza or 5/8 of a large pizza?
Would you rather have 3 quarters and 4 dimes or 8 nickels and 9 pennies?
Would you rather read for 3 half hours or 2 hours?
Would you rather earn $8 per hour for 6 hours or $10 per hour for 4 hours?
Each question opens the door to discussion and allows multiple strategies. The focus isn’t on being right, it’s on thinking mathematically and explaining your reasoning.
Why “Would You Rather” Math Builds Real Understanding
This simple activity supports a wide range of learning goals at home.
→ Promotes Mathematical Reasoning
Children learn to justify their answers with evidence, building a deeper understanding of math concepts.
→ Encourages Communication in Math
Explaining choices — verbally or in writing — strengthens kids’ ability to express mathematical ideas clearly.
→ Sparks Math Engagement
By connecting math to real-life choices, kids see math as useful, interesting, and even fun.
→ Builds Math Confidence
Because there’s often more than one valid answer, children feel safe taking risks and sharing their thinking without fear of being “wrong.”
Learn More About “Would You Rather” Math
Would You Rather math was popularized by math educator John Stevens, who created a collection of engaging problems to help students think creatively. You can find lots more Would you Rather Math problems simply by searching "Would You Rather Math."
You can also check out our YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, where we share quick, interactive “Would You Rather” math prompts that spark discussion and mathematical curiosity.
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