About The Mystery Rule

The goal of this game is to determine the common attribute among a set of items.  You may use any materials of your choice!  This game helps children practice both their sorting skills and their flexible thinking skills.  The goal also includes helping children develop a sense of commonality.

Game Materials

Any materials of your choice!, Directions


What's the math in this game?

To solve a mystery sorting rule, children need to ignore the differences between items in a set (like that the orange laundry includes all different clothing items) in order to determine what the items have in common (they are all orange). This game helps children practice both their sorting skills and their flexible thinking skills.

Download Directions for The Mystery Rule

 English EN

 Español ES

 Português PT

For this game all you need are your hands and fingers! Nothing to print but the game directions.

Related Resources


Watch a Video!

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The Mystery Rule (English)
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Mystery Rule (Spanish)
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Mystery Rule (Portuguese)

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