How to play Always, Sometimes or Never?
- Read the statement carefully.
- Try some examples. Can you find one that works and one that does not?
- Decide: always, sometimes or never.
- Press Reveal to compare your thinking with the answer.
Maths skills this game builds
- Mathematical reasoning and proof
- Using counter-examples
- Number properties: odd, even, prime, square, multiples
- Properties of shapes
Tips for parents and carers
- One example is not enough to prove “always”. Look for a counter-example.
- Ask your child to explain why a statement is “never” true.
- Make up your own statements to test.
Using Always, Sometimes or Never? with a group or class
- Children show their answer with a thumbs up, a flat hand or a thumbs down, then explain. Ask for a counter-example whenever the answer is “sometimes”.
- There are 24 statements about numbers and shapes, so you can use a few each session.
- Perfect for the start or end of a lesson with no equipment needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a counter-example?
It is one example that shows a statement is not always true. For instance, 2 is a prime number but it is not odd.
Why is “sometimes” important?
It encourages children to describe when a statement is true and when it is not.
How many statements are there?
There are 24, in a random order each time.