A mystery only a maths detective can crack. In “The Swapped Labels,” someone has switched every number label in the classroom — and only careful place-value thinking will set things right and reveal who did it.

Across five evidence stations, students (ages 5-7) solve number problems. Each correct answer rules out a suspect, a place, or a clue, until just one culprit remains. It’s a self-checking escape-room feel with the rigour of a full problem set — perfect for review, centres, early finishers, or a sub day.

SKILLS COVERED (Number & Operations in Base Ten):
• Understanding tens and ones
• Reading, writing and comparing two-digit numbers
• Place value to 100
• Adding and subtracting within 100
• Logical reasoning and deduction

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Print-and-go student booklet (PDF) — 5 stations
• Full answer key (PDF) for instant marking
• Editable Google Slides version for digital or projected play

HOW TO USE: Print the booklet or share the Slides. Pupils work solo, in pairs, or in small teams, solving each station and crossing suspects off the board until they crack the case. The answer key makes it fully self-checking.

PERFECT FOR: maths centres, review and revision, early finishers, enrichment, substitute/cover lessons, and end-of-unit fun.

Part of the DeskMade Math Whodunnit series — classroom-ready mysteries that do the prep for you. Buy the K-2 bundle to collect all four cases and save.