maths problem solving activities for primary students

• Prodigy Math
• Prodigy English
• Is a Premium Membership Worth It?
• Promote a Growth Mindset
• Help Your Child Who's Struggling with Math
• Parent's Guide to Prodigy
• Assessments
• Math Curriculum Coverage
• English Curriculum Coverage
• Game Portal

22 Fun Math Activities for Your Classroom

Written by Marcus Guido

Did you know? 🤔

Research showed that Prodigy Math helped drive a significant, positive shift in students' opinion towards math in just a few months.

• Game-Based Learning
• Teaching Tools
• 1. Prodigy Math

2. Read a Math Book

3. create mnemonic devices, 4. deliver a daily starter, 5. visit the national library of virtual manipulatives, 6. run a round of initials, 7. play math baseball, 8. start a game of around the block, 9. play math tic-tac-toe, 10. modify a classic card game, 11. share teachertube videos, 12. co-ordinate live video, 13. research the leaning tower, 14. party on pi day, 15. hold a scavenger hunt, 16. play one-metre dash, 17. put a twist on gym class, 18. run think-pair-share exercises.

• 19. Hold a Game of Jeopardy

20. Take on a Challenge from Get The Math

When students think “fun,” memories of math class likely won’t be the first to pop into their heads. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

There are approaches and exercises, with and without computers, that can  enliven your math lessons .

You’ll likely find that the reward justifies the work of preparing and introducing them. After all, according many studies from  as early as the 1960s , engaged students pay more attention and perform higher than disengaged ones.W

But while making math fun for students is definitely effective, it's not always easy for busy educators to plan, prepare and deliver them on the spot.

That's why we've put together a list of 22 fun math activities for students.  Use these fun activity ideas to engage your students and help them build a lifelong love for learning math.

1. Play Prodigy Math

Grade levels: 1st-8th

Best for: Reinforcing lesson content, differentiating instruction and engaging students through game-based learning.

Use Prodigy — the standards-aligned math platform used by millions of students and teachers worldwide — to  engage your class while  reinforcing lesson content  and teaching essential skills.

Prodigy uses elements from students’ favorite video games as they compete in math duels against in-game characters. To win, they must answer sets of questions. You can customize these questions to supplement class material,  deliver assessments ,  prepare for tests  and more.

And the best bit? Educators and schools get full access to teaching tools at zero cost!

Here's a sneak peak of Prodigy in action! 👇

Grade levels: K-6th

Best for: Introducing new concepts, reinforcing learned skills, and encouraging independent learning.

Show your students that  reading engaging stories isn’t exclusive to language arts class.

There are many age-appropriate  math books  that effectively explain skills and techniques while providing exercises to help students understand content.

For example, the  Life of Fred  series introduces and teaches essential math skills aligned with most elementary school curricula.

The four books, each containing 19 lessons, present content through stories about cats, ice cream and other child-friendly subjects. With full answer keys, the series lends itself to practicing, reviewing or learning entire skills.

You can find age- and topic-specific math books through a few Amazon searches or a brief bookstore visit.

Grade levels: 3rd-8th

Best for: Helping learners remember math facts, equations and sequences.

Dedicate time for students to create mnemonic devices — cues such as rhymes and acronyms — to  help  recall math facts .

A popular example is “I need to be 16 years-old to drive a 4×4 pickup truck.” Such cues should be rhymes or quick stories that distill larger chunks of information, always using tangible objects or scenarios to make them memorable.

Although you can think of mnemonic devices yourself and share them with students, it’s beneficial to run an activity that gets them to make their own. They’ll likely find it easier to remember ones they create.

Grade levels: PreK-8th

Best for: Kicking off the day, focusing students' attention and warming up brains for math learning.

Drop by Scholastic’s  Daily Starters page  each morning to  find entry tickets suited to solo and group work. This includes skills and topics like mental math, place value and number sense.

Content levels range from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade, including problems from subjects other than math. Many teachers either print the questions or project them onto a whiteboard.

Aside from entry tickets, there are different ways to use Daily Starters — such as including them in learning stations or wrapping up a lesson with them.

Grade levels: K-12

Best for: Interactive learning and engagement, especially for visual learners.

Have students visit the online  National Library of Virtual Manipulatives  to  access activities that involve digital objects such as coins and blocks.

Created by Utah State University, the online library aims to engage students. To do so, there are manipulation tasks for students at every grade level.

For example, a 6th grade geometry activity involves using geo-boards to illustrate area, perimeter and rational number concepts. Ideal for classes with one-to-one device use, the website can also act as a learning station.

Grade levels : 4th-8th

Best for: Content reviews and encouraging students to work in teams.

Add a  game-like spin to content reviews  by playing Initials.

Hand a unique sheet to each student that has problems aligned with a common skill or topic. Instead of focusing on their own sheets, students walk around the room to solve questions on their classmates’.

Here’s the catch: A student can only complete one question per sheet, signing his or her initials beside the answer. The exercise continues until all questions on each sheet have answers,  encouraging students to build trust and teamwork .

Grade levels: 2nd-6th

Best for: Creating a competitive environment and reinforcing a variety of math concepts.

Divide your class into two teams to play math baseball —  an activity that gives you full control of the questions students answer.

One team will start “at bat,” scoring runs by choosing questions worth one, two or three bases. You’ll “pitch” the questions, which range in difficulty depending on how many bases they’re worth. If the at-bat team answers incorrectly, the defending team can correctly respond to earn an out. After three outs, switch sides.

Play until one team hits 10 runs, or five for a shorter entry or exit ticket.

Grade levels: 2nd-5th

Best for: Practicing any math skill in a fun, dynamic way.

Play Around the Block as a minds-on activity, using only a ball to  practice almost any math skill.

First, compile questions related to a distinct skill. Second, have students stand in a circle. Finally, give one student the ball and read aloud a question from your list.

Students must pass the ball clockwise around the circle, and the one who started with it must answer the question before receiving again.

If the student incorrectly answers, pass the ball to a classmate for the next question. If the student correctly answers, he or she chooses the next contestant.

Grade levels: 3rd-6th

Best for: Practicing a range of abilities and offering a familiar but math-focused game.

Pair students to  compete against one another while building different math skills  in this take on tic-tac-toe.

To prepare, divide a sheet into squares — three vertical by three horizontal. Fill these squares with questions that collectively test a range of abilities. The first student to link three Xs or Os — by correctly answering questions — wins.

This game can be a  learning station , refreshing prerequisite skills in preparation for new content.

Best for: Reinforcing basic math operations in a competitive and enjoyable manner.

Put a mathematical twist on a traditional card game  by having students play this version of  War .

Students should pair together, with each pair grabbing two decks of cards. Cards have the following values:

• Two to 10 — Face value

The rules of the game will depend on the grade you teach and the skills you’re building. Each student will always play two cards at a time, but younger kids must subtract the lower number from the higher.

Older students can multiply the numbers, designating a certain suit as having negative integers. Whoever has the highest hand wins all four cards.

Best for: Visual learners and supplementing lessons with video content.

Cover core skills by visiting  TeacherTube  — an education-only version of YouTube.

By searching for a specific topic or browsing by category, you can quickly find videos to supplement a lesson or act as a learning station.

For example, searching for “middle school algebra” will load a results page containing study guides, specific lessons and exam reviews.

Students and parents can also visit TeacherTube on their own time, as some videos explicitly apply to them.

Grade levels: 6th-12th

Best for: Enhancing class content with expert insights and diversifying teaching approaches.

Don’t limit yourself to pre-recorded videos — straightforward conferencing technology can allow  subject matter experts to deliver live lessons to your class.

Whether it’s a contact from another school or a seasoned lecturer you reach out to, bringing an expert into your classroom will expose your students to new ideas and can lighten your workload.

Add the person on Skype or Google Hangouts, delivering the lesson through the program. Skype even has a list of guest speakers who will voluntarily speak about their topics of expertise.

Grade levels: 4th-8th

Best for: Interdisciplinary learning, integrating math with real-world structures and events.

Delve into the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s famous landmarks, by running this  popular  interdisciplinary activity .

Although the exercise traditionally spans across subjects through guided research, you can focus on math by requiring students to:

• Develop an itinerary, complete with a budget, for a trip to Pisa
• Calculate measurements such as the tower’s area and volume
• Investigate the tower’s structure, determining if or when it’ll fall

For younger students, you can divide the activity into distinct exercises and allow them to work in groups. Older students should tackle it as an in-class or take-home project.

You can easily adjust the skill complexity to your students' needs, starting off with key math skills like subtraction, addition, multiplication, division and advancing into more complex areas like percentages, fractions and averages. Students at higher grades can even explore graphing and data analysis.

Best for: Making math fun, celebrating a mathematical constant and promoting math-themed camaraderie.

Celebrate Pi Day on March 14 each year by  dedicating an entire period, or more, to the mathematical constant.

Although specific activities depend on your students, you can start the lesson by giving a historical and conceptual overview of pi — from Archimedes to how modern mathematicians use it. After, delve into exercises.

For younger students, get construction paper and choose a colour to represent each digit. Red can be one, blue is two, green can represent three and so on. Their task is to arrange and order the paper to represent as much of pi’s value as possible.

For older students, run learning stations that allow them to complete questions, process content and play  math games  related to pi. For a fun finish, serve students pizza or another kind of pie.

Best for: Integrating technology, promoting research skills, and teaching new math concepts in a fun way.

Send your students on an Internet scavenger hunt, a potential addition to Pi Day fun, allowing them to  build research skills while processing new math concepts.

The exercise starts by providing a sheet of terms to define or questions to solve, which students can complete by using Google or a list of recommended websites. Regardless, the terms and questions should all fall under an overarching topic.

For example, “Find the definition of a negative integer” and “If you multiply a positive integer with a negative integer, will the product be positive or negative? What about multiplying two negative integers together?”

More than engaging, educational hunts introduce your students to resources they can regularly refer to.

Best for: Teaching students about estimation and measurement; hands-on learners; kinetic learners; group work.

Start this quick game to  build students’ perception and understanding of measurement.

Grouping students in small teams, give them metre sticks. They then look around the room for two to four items they think add up to a metre in length. In a few minutes, the groups measure the items and record how close their estimates were.

Want more of a challenge? Give them a centimetre-mark to hit instead of a metre. You can then ask them to convert results to micrometres, millimetres and more.

Best for: Linking physical activity and mathematics; catering to active learners; cross-curricular education; students who enjoy physical activities.

Fuse math and physical education by  delivering ongoing lessons that explain and explore certain motions.

It’s time to practice long jumps. But first, students can estimate how far they’ll jump. After, they can see how close they were.

Such activities can also supplement lessons about lifting, throwing and other actions — potentially interesting students who don’t normally enjoy gym or math.

Grade levels: All grades

Best for: Encouraging discussion and cooperation; fostering critical thinking; aiding understanding and retention; catering to a range of learning styles.

Launch a think-pair-share exercise to  expose students to three lesson-processing experiences in quick succession.

As the strategy’s name implies, start by asking students to individually  think  about a given topic or answer a specific question. Next,  pair  students together to discuss their results and findings. Finally, have each pair  share  their ideas with the rest of the class, and open the floor for further discussion.

The three parts of this exercise vary in length, giving you flexibility when lesson planning.

And because it allows your students to process content individually, in a small group and in a large group, it caters to your classroom’s range of learning and personality types

19. Hold a Game of Math Jeopardy

Grade levels: 3rd-12th

Best for: Reviewing multiple topics; competitive learners; group work; interactive class reviews.

Transform this famous game show to focus on your latest skill or unit,  preparing students for a quiz or test.

Setup involves attaching pockets to a bristol board, dividing them into columns and rows. Each column should focus on a topic, whereas each row should have a point value — 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1,000.

A team can ask for a question from any pocket, but other teams can answer first by solving the problem and raising their hands.

Once the class answers all questions, the team with the highest point total claims your prize. But each student wins in terms of engagement and practicing  peer support .

Looking for more fun math games? Check out this list of 23 classroom math games for kids .

Best for: Applying math to real-world scenarios; career-focused learning; students interested in how math is used in the professional world.

Teach your students about  how math is used in different careers and real-world situations  by visiting  Get the Math .

The website, aimed at middle and high school students, features videos of young professionals who explain how they use algebra. They then pose job-related questions to two teams of students in the video.

Your class can also participate, learning how to apply algebraic concepts in different scenarios. It’s a straightforward way to vary and contextualize your lesson content.

21. Virtual Math Escape Room

Grade levels: 4th-12th

Best for: Group activities where teamwork and problem-solving skills are essential. This activity is excellent for tech-savvy students andfor situations where you want to increase engagement through interactive digital tools.

Escape rooms have been a rising trend in recent years. Take advantage of their popularity by setting up a virtual math escape room. Develop a series of math puzzles that students must solve to "escape." Use a digital platform that allows you to hide clues and puzzles in an online environment. The time pressure and narrative can make solving math problems an exciting adventure!

22. Break the Code (Cryptography)

Grade levels: 5th-9th

Best for: Students who enjoy solving mysteries and puzzles. It's an engaging way to introduce abstract mathematical concepts like modular arithmetic and to showcase the practical applications of mathematics.

Awaken the budding mathematicians and detectives in your students with cryptography. Introduce simple encryption techniques and provide coded messages for your students to decipher. This activity can be tailored to different complexity levels, right from elementary to high school level.

Here's a simple version of math code breaking activity below!

Need further support? Check out these math worksheets!

As well as using fun math activities to deliver math content, you can also use worksheets. Ideal as part of a station rotation, these quick exercises can help students tackle math problems so you can gauge their understanding.

Here are some free printable worksheets to get you started:

• 1st Grade Math Worksheets
• 2nd Grade Math Worksheets
• 3rd Grade Math Worksheets
• 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Final Thoughts

Each of these exercises can inject engagement into your lessons, helping students process content and demonstrate understanding.

What’s more,  they’re versatile.  You can use many of the above activities to introduce concepts or reinforce lessons, and as minds-on exercises or exit tickets. Useful for you, fun for students.

Who says math can’t be engaging?

👉 Try Prodigy today — the standards-aligned, game-based learning platform that delivers fun math activities based on the student’s unique strengths and skill deficits. It’s used by more than 700,000 teachers and millions of students around the world.

25 Exciting Hands on Math Activities for Elementary

Engaging elementary students in hands on math activities is a fantastic way to foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts while making learning enjoyable.

These activities not only make math come alive but also encourage active participation and critical thinking.

By incorporating hands-on experiences, educators can create an enriching learning environment that sets a strong foundation for future mathematical success.

We will explore a variety of creative and effective hands on math activities for elementary students, ensuring that the learning process is both fun and educational.

Math Manipulative Creations: Building Geometric Shapes

One exciting hands-on math activity for elementary students involves using math manipulatives like building blocks or interlocking cubes to create various geometric shapes. Start by introducing basic shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles. Then, challenge students to use the manipulatives to construct these shapes on their own. As they become more comfortable, encourage them to combine shapes to form more complex figures, such as making a hexagon from triangles or a parallelogram from rectangles. This activity not only reinforces shape recognition but also enhances spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.

Fraction Beach: Sandbox Exploration of Fractions

Create a tactile learning experience with a Fraction Beach activity. Fill a large sandbox with sand and divide it into sections representing different fractions. Students can use shovels, buckets, and other tools to manipulate the sand, creating visual representations of fractions. This hands-on approach offers a unique way for students to grasp the concept of fractions as parts of a whole.

Fraction Pizza Party: Understanding Fractions through Play

Fractions can be a challenging concept for elementary students to grasp, but a Fraction Pizza Party activity can make it more accessible and enjoyable. Provide students with circular paper cutouts resembling pizza slices. Ask them to divide the slice into different fractions, such as halves, thirds, and quarters, using markers or colored pencils. Then, they can decorate each slice to represent the fraction they’ve created. This hands-on approach allows students to visualize fractions and comprehend their relationship to a whole, transforming abstract ideas into tangible concepts. Related: 20 Creative Math Door Decoration Ideas

Shape Hunt Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Geometry in the Environment

Take math learning beyond the classroom with a Shape Hunt Scavenger Hunt. This activity involves going outdoors or exploring different areas of the school to identify and categorize various shapes in the environment. Provide students with a list of shapes to find, such as squares, circles, rectangles, and triangles. They can document their discoveries by taking photos or drawing sketches of the objects they find. Not only does this activity reinforce shape recognition, but it also encourages students to see the relevance of math in their surroundings.

Money Math Market: Applying Real-life Math Skills

Teaching elementary students about money can be both practical and enjoyable through a Money Math Market activity. Set up a pretend market with various items labeled with price tags. Give students play money and have them shop for items, making calculations of their purchases and finding the total cost. This hands-on experience helps students understand the value of different coins and bills, as well as practice addition and subtraction in a real-world context. It also promotes financial literacy from an early age.

Measurement Olympics: Exploring Length, Weight, and Volume

Host a Measurement Olympics to help elementary students grasp the concepts of length, weight, and volume in a playful way. Set up various stations where students can measure objects using rulers, scales, and measuring cups. They can compare the lengths of different items, weigh objects, and pour liquids into containers to understand volume. This activity not only enhances their measurement skills but also encourages them to apply mathematical reasoning to real-world scenarios.

Tangram Teasers: Puzzling with Shapes and Spatial Relationships

Tangrams are a fantastic tool to develop spatial reasoning and geometry skills in elementary students. Provide each student with a set of tangram pieces – seven flat shapes that can be combined to form various figures. Challenge students to recreate specific shapes, animals, or objects using the tangram pieces. This activity promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial visualization while engaging students in a creative puzzle-solving adventure.

Math Board Games: Learning Through Play

Engage elementary students in the world of board games that are designed to teach and reinforce mathematical concepts. Games like “Monopoly,” “Chutes and Ladders,” and “Uno” can be adapted to incorporate math challenges. Students roll dice, draw cards, or spin spinners, answering math questions or performing calculations as part of the game mechanics. This approach blends learning with leisure, making math more enjoyable and interactive. Related: 20 Helpful Grief Activities for Elementary Students

Pattern Play: Unveiling the Magic of Patterns

Patterns are everywhere, and the Pattern Play activity helps elementary students discover the magic behind them. Begin with simple patterns of colors, shapes, or numbers, and let students continue the sequence. Gradually increase the complexity of the patterns as they become more confident. This activity hones pattern recognition skills and lays the foundation for understanding more intricate mathematical concepts, such as algebraic patterns and sequences.

Geometry in Art: Creating Symmetrical Masterpieces

Merge math and art with the Geometry in Art activity, where students explore symmetry and geometric shapes to design their own masterpieces. Provide them with drawing materials and guide them to create symmetrical images by drawing on one side and reflecting the design on the other. This activity not only encourages creativity but also reinforces concepts like line symmetry and geometric transformations, showcasing the beautiful intersection of math and artistic expression.

Time Travel Adventure: Learning with Elapsed Time

Help elementary students grasp the concept of elapsed time through a Time Travel Adventure. Present them with scenarios involving different start and end times, and ask them to calculate the duration in hours and minutes. You can use real-life scenarios like planning a day’s activities or calculating travel times between destinations. This activity strengthens students’ time-telling skills and develops their understanding of time intervals.

Math Storytelling: Numbers and Narratives

Combine math and literacy with the Math Storytelling activity, where students create their own mathematical stories. Encourage them to invent characters, settings, and situations that involve mathematical concepts. They can use addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to solve problems within their stories. Sharing their stories not only nurtures their creative skills but also reinforces their understanding of mathematical operations in a meaningful context.

Math Puzzles and Riddles: Brain-Teasing Challenges

Engage elementary students’ critical thinking skills with Math Puzzles and Riddles. Provide them with age-appropriate puzzles that require logical reasoning and mathematical insights to solve. These puzzles can range from number sequences and logic puzzles to classic riddles with mathematical twists. The challenge of cracking these brain-teasers makes math enjoyable and encourages students to think outside the box.

Fractional Kitchen: Exploring Fractions in Cooking

Bringing fractions into the kitchen creates an interactive and delicious learning experience. Organize a Fractional Kitchen activity where students follow recipes and use measuring cups and spoons to prepare dishes. As they measure ingredients like flour, sugar, and liquids, they gain a tangible understanding of fractions in a practical context. This activity bridges the gap between abstract fractions and real-life applications.

Math Around the World: Exploring Cultural Numerical Systems

Expose elementary students to the diversity of numerical systems with the Math Around the World activity. Introduce them to various counting systems used in different cultures, such as Roman numerals or the Mayan number system. Allow them to explore these systems by representing numbers and performing basic calculations. This activity fosters cultural awareness while deepening students’ appreciation for the universality of mathematical principles.

Math Art Gallery: Graphing Coordinate Plane Creations

Transform the concept of graphing on a coordinate plane into an artistic endeavor with a Math Art Gallery activity. Provide students with a set of coordinates and guide them to plot points on graph paper. As they connect the dots, intricate designs and images will emerge. This activity allows students to explore the relationship between numbers, coordinates, and visual representations, enhancing their graphing skills in an engaging way.

Math Jeopardy: Interactive Review Game

Elevate the excitement of reviewing math concepts by playing Math Jeopardy. Create a game board with different categories and point values related to the curriculum. Divide students into teams and take turns choosing questions from the board. Students must solve the presented problems within a specified time frame to earn points. Math Jeopardy not only reinforces learning but also promotes friendly competition and collaboration among students.

Math-Inspired Building: Exploring Geometry with Construction

Combine engineering and mathematics with a Math-Inspired Building activity. Provide students with materials like toothpicks, marshmallows, or straws, and challenge them to create geometric shapes or structures using their imagination. This hands-on experience helps them understand concepts like angles, symmetry, and stability, all while fostering creativity and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Math Mysteries: Solving Interactive Math Whodunits

Engage elementary students in mathematical detective work with Math Mysteries. Present them with scenarios where they must solve mathematical clues to uncover the answers. These mysteries can involve a range of math topics, from solving equations to deciphering patterns. As students work through the clues, they not only sharpen their math skills but also enjoy the thrill of solving puzzles.

Math in Nature: Outdoor Exploration of Patterns and Shapes

Nature is a treasure trove of mathematical inspiration. Take students on an outdoor exploration to discover Math in Nature. Observe patterns in leaves, petals, and seeds. Look for symmetry in butterfly wings or geometric shapes in rock formations. Encourage students to document their findings through sketches or photographs. This activity fosters a deeper connection between math and the world around us while encouraging curiosity and observation skills. Related: 100 Fun Questions Of The Day for Elementary Students

Recommended:

• 25 Teeth Brushing Activities for Preschoolers
• 24 Fun Literacy Activities for Preschoolers
• 23 Fun Shark Activities for Preschoolers

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Problem Solving Activities: 7 Strategies

• Critical Thinking

Problem solving can be a daunting aspect of effective mathematics teaching, but it does not have to be! In this post, I share seven strategic ways to integrate problem solving into your everyday math program.

In the middle of our problem solving lesson, my district math coordinator stopped by for a surprise walkthrough. 

I was so excited!

We were in the middle of what I thought was the most brilliant math lesson– teaching my students how to solve problem solving tasks using specific problem solving strategies. 

It was a proud moment for me!

Each week, I presented a new problem solving strategy and the students completed problems that emphasized the strategy. 

Genius right? 

After observing my class, my district coordinator pulled me aside to chat. I was excited to talk to her about my brilliant plan, but she told me I should provide the tasks and let my students come up with ways to solve the problems. Then, as students shared their work, I could revoice the student’s strategies and give them an official name. 

What a crushing blow! Just when I thought I did something special, I find out I did it all wrong. 

I took some time to consider her advice. Once I acknowledged she was right, I was able to make BIG changes to the way I taught problem solving in the classroom. 

When I Finally Saw the Light

To give my students an opportunity to engage in more authentic problem solving which would lead them to use a larger variety of problem solving strategies, I decided to vary the activities and the way I approached problem solving with my students. 

Problem Solving Activities

Here are seven ways to strategically reinforce problem solving skills in your classroom. 

Seasonal Problem Solving

Many teachers use word problems as problem solving tasks. Instead, try engaging your students with non-routine tasks that look like word problems but require more than the use of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to complete. Seasonal problem solving tasks and daily challenges are a perfect way to celebrate the season and have a little fun too!

Cooperative Problem Solving Tasks

Go cooperative! If you’ve got a few extra minutes, have students work on problem solving tasks in small groups. After working through the task, students create a poster to help explain their solution process and then post their poster around the classroom. Students then complete a gallery walk of the posters in the classroom and provide feedback via sticky notes or during a math talk session.

Notice and Wonder

Before beginning a problem solving task, such as a seasonal problem solving task, conduct a Notice and Wonder session. To do this, ask students what they notice about the problem. Then, ask them what they wonder about the problem. This will give students an opportunity to highlight the unique characteristics and conditions of the problem as they try to make sense of it. 

Want a better experience? Remove the stimulus, or question, and allow students to wonder about the problem. Try it! You’ll gain some great insight into how your students think about a problem.

Math Starters

Start your math block with a math starter, critical thinking activities designed to get your students thinking about math and provide opportunities to “sneak” in grade-level content and skills in a fun and engaging way. These tasks are quick, designed to take no more than five minutes, and provide a great way to turn-on your students’ brains. Read more about math starters here ! 

Create your own puzzle box! The puzzle box is a set of puzzles and math challenges I use as fast finisher tasks for my students when they finish an assignment or need an extra challenge. The box can be a file box, file crate, or even a wall chart. It includes a variety of activities so all students can find a challenge that suits their interests and ability level.

Calculators

Use calculators! For some reason, this tool is not one many students get to use frequently; however, it’s important students have a chance to practice using it in the classroom. After all, almost everyone has access to a calculator on their cell phones. There are also some standardized tests that allow students to use them, so it’s important for us to practice using calculators in the classroom. Plus, calculators can be fun learning tools all by themselves!

Three-Act Math Tasks

Use a three-act math task to engage students with a content-focused, real-world problem! These math tasks were created with math modeling in mind– students are presented with a scenario and then given clues and hints to help them solve the problem. There are several sites where you can find these awesome math tasks, including Dan Meyer’s Three-Act Math Tasks and Graham Fletcher’s 3-Acts Lessons . 

Getting the Most from Each of the Problem Solving Activities

When students participate in problem solving activities, it is important to ask guiding, not leading, questions. This provides students with the support necessary to move forward in their thinking and it provides teachers with a more in-depth understanding of student thinking. Selecting an initial question and then analyzing a student’s response tells teachers where to go next. 

Ready to jump in? Grab a free set of problem solving challenges like the ones pictured using the form below. 

Which of the problem solving activities will you try first? Respond in the comments below.

Shametria Routt Banks

• Assessment Tools
• Content and Standards
• Differentiation
• Math & Literature
• Math & Technology
• Math Routines
• Math Stations
• Virtual Learning
• Writing in Math

You may also like...

2 Responses

This is a very cool site. I hope it takes off and is well received by teachers. I work in mathematical problem solving and help prepare pre-service teachers in mathematics.

Thank you, Scott! Best wishes to you and your pre-service teachers this year!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

©2024 The Routty Math Teacher.   All Rights Reserved.  Designed by Ashley Hughes.

Privacy overview.

K-5 Math Centers

K-5 math ideas, 3rd grade math, need help organizing your k-5 math block, 5 ways to include math problem solving activities in your classroom.

Are you looking for math problem solving activities that are not too easy and not too hard, but juuust right? I’ve got something just for you and your students.

Solve and Explain Problem Solving Tasks are open-ended math tasks that provide just the right amount of challenge for your kids. Here’s a little more about them.

Open-ended math problem solving tasks:

• promote multiple solution paths and/or multiple solutions
• boost critical thinking and math reasoning skills
• increase opportunities for developing perseverance
• provide opportunities to justify answer choices
• strengthen kids written and oral communication skills

What Makes These So Great?

• All Common Core Standards are covered for your grade level
• 180+ Quality questions that are rigorous yet engaging
• They are SUPER easy to assemble
• Provide opportunities for meaningful math discussions
• Perfect for developing a growth mindset
• Easily identify student misconceptions so you can provide assistance
• Very versatile (check out the different ways to use them below)

You can find out more details for your grade level by clicking on the buttons below.

I’m sure you really want to know how can you use these with your kids. Check out the top 5 ideas on how to use Solve and Explain Problem Solving Tasks in your classroom.

How and When Can I Use Them?

Solve and Explain Tasks Cards are very versatile. You can use them for:

• Math Centers  – This is my favorite way to use these! Depending on your grade level, there are at least two (Kinder – 2nd) or three (3rd-5th) tasks types per Common Core standard. And each task type has 6 different questions. Print out each of the different tasks types on different color paper. Then, let students choose which one question from each task type they want to solve.

• Problem of the Day  – Use them as a daily math journal prompt. Print out the recording sheet and project one of the problems on your white board or wall.  Students solve the problem and then glue it in their spiral or composition notebooks.

• Early Finisher Activities  -No more wondering what to do next!Create an early finishers notebook where students can grab a task and a recording sheet. Place the cards in sheet protectors and make copies of the Early Finisher Activity Check-Off card for your kids to fill out BEFORE they pull a card out to work on. We want to make sure kids are not rushing through there first assignment before moving on to an early finisher activity.

• Weekly Math Challenges  – Kids LOVE challenges! Give students copies of one of the problems for homework. Then give them a week to complete it. Since many of the questions have multiple solutions and students have to explain how they got their answers, you can have a rich whole group discussion at the end of the week (even with your kindergarten and 1st grade students).

Shop Recommended Resources

• Formative Assessments  – Give your students a problem to solve. Then use the Teacher Scoring Rubric to see how your kids are doing with each standard. Since they have to explain their thinking, this is a great way to catch any misconceptions and give feedback to individual students.

So this wraps up the top 5 ways that you can use problem solving tasks in your classroom.  Click your grade level below to get Solve and Explain problem solving tasks for your classroom.

• Read more about: K-5 Math Ideas

You might also like...

Reflect and Reset: Tips for Becoming a Better Math Teacher

Student Math Reflection Activities That Deepen Understanding

5 Math Mini-Lesson Ideas that Keep Students Engaged

A Rigorous Elementary Math Curriculum for Busy Teachers

What We Offer:

Follow us here:.

  Check Out These Free Courses & Discounts >

Opening Minds with Open-Ended Math Problems in the Primary Classroom

by Model Teaching | December 21, 2018.

Wait, so, what is the RIGHT answer?” “Sarah got a different answer than I did…how can we BOTH be right?” You will most likely hear all kinds of responses like this when you start to incorporate open-ended math activities into your classroom. At first, they’ll probably make your students look at you as if you have two heads. But, these kinds of reactions will begin to subside once your students have been exposed to the idea that there are many ways to solve problems, even math problems! Encouraging this kind of “endless possibility” thinking is an effective way to teach your students to challenge themselves and think outside of the “normal” problem solving thinking.

What are open-ended math problems?

Open-ended math problems are problems that have more than one possible answer. These problems might present an end result and then ask students to work backward to figure out how that end result might have been achieved or they might ask students to compare two concepts that can be compared in a variety of different ways. But whatever way they are presented, the purpose of open-ended math problems is always to encourage students to use higher order thinking skills to solve problems and understand that some problems can be solved in many ways, with many outcomes.

Examples of Open-ended Math Problems

If you teach pre-k or kindergarten, an open-ended math problem might be: “You have 2 shapes that have a different amount of sides. What 2 shapes could you have? Show and name the shapes.” You would provide them with crayons, paper, pattern blocks, or whatever other manipulative they might be used to using when discussing shapes and students would use these manipulatives to come up with as many answers as they can. Your little ones may answer with a variety of answers based on their current skill level. You may get answers like “triangle and square”, “hexagon and parallelogram”, or “a circle is a shape” depending on what each student knows about shapes. This is a great way to reinforce what students already know and to quickly assess where they are in their knowledge.

If you teach first grade, an open-ended math problem might be: “I’m thinking of the number 8. What two numbers work could work together to make the number 8?” Again, you would provide them with manipulatives they normally use for composing and decomposing numbers, like counters, small erasers, counting bears, unifix cubes, or even playdoh balls. The extra bonus about this kind of problem is that it’s extremely easy for students to show their math skills. Some might use addition, others will use subtraction, and you may even run into a kiddo or two who can use multiplication to find the number. However students choose to explore all the possibilities for answers, be sure to give them a few options for how to show their thinking. This might include simply writing equations, drawing pictures with the equations, or even building the number with a manipulative and then taking a picture of it with an iPad.

As students get older and move onto more abstract thinking in second and third grade, you might incorporate more word problems like: “The difference between the temperature on Monday and Tuesday was 13 degrees. What could the temperature have been on each day? Find and explain at least 5 different answers.” Or “Penelope sees 37 children playing in a corn maze. If those children split into four groups, how many children could be in each group? Find and explain at least 5 different answers.” As always, be sure to provide students with manipulatives, paper and pencils, dry erase markers and whiteboards, or whatever you normally use to help them solve problems and then let them go to work! By presenting these kinds of word problems, you’ll expose students to a variety of math concepts (such as division in this example) just by allowing them to think about how to solve the problem on their own. Then, when these concepts are formally introduced, they will hopefully feel more familiar to some students.

Why should I use open-ended math problems with my students?

There are many benefits to incorporating these kinds of problems into your students’ daily routine, but here are a few of the most obvious and effective ones:

• Open-ended problems encourage higher order thinking skills. Students will not only be “recognizing”, “identifying”, or “describing” their thinking; they’ll be “justifying”, “defending”, and “evaluating” their problem solving skills and how they arrived at their answers.
• Open-ended problems build confidence in your students. Once students recognize that there are many possibilities for correct answers and thinking, they begin to participate more readily because they can bring to the table. Students who normally struggle with math might solve the problem on a very basic level, using a basic strategy, but they’ll be correct! And your advanced students can solve it on their advanced level and be just as correct as the student who struggles. Simply knowing that the way that they specifically thought and solved the problem was considered correct builds confidence for students.
• Open-ended problems are engaging! Students are immediately engaged in these kinds of problems because they recognize that there are so many different ways to solve it. Whether students are working in small groups or independently, there is possibility for so many different ideas and answers to be correct that everyone wants in on it. This engagement, in turn, encourages collaboration among students and soon, they’re sharing their thinking and learning from each other to solve problems.
• Open-ended problems encourage creativity. Students are capable of using so many strategies that they’ve learned over the years to solve problems and, given the space and time, they can even come up with some of their own strategies for solving problems. Open-ended problems give students permission to be creative in their thinking and problem solving.
• Open-ended problems make it easy for teachers to see what levels students are working at. Simply by walking around the room while students are working to solve an open-ended math problem, you’ll be able to informally assess what kind of level they are independently working on. This can be extremely beneficial as you are collecting data, forming groups, or simply getting a feel for what kind of skills each student is working with.

For more information about the benefits of using open-ended math problems, read:

https://nzmaths.co.nz/benefits-problem-solving

How do I incorporate open-ended math problems into my math instructional time?

Some of the simplest ways to incorporate open-ended math problems into your math instructional time is to include them in math stations, use them in small groups, and use them as a warm up.

• Math Stations:  You can implement open-ended problems into your math stations a number of ways, including thinking mats, task cards, or interactive math journals. The simplest way to implement them into your math stations is by using task cards. Task cards are pre-made cards that you can create or purchase to cut and laminate for students to use repeatedly. Task cards usually include words, pictures, diagrams, or a combination of all to present a problem to students. To use task cards in a math station, simply create or purchase the cards you want with open-ended word problems or picture problems. Then, simply print them out and cut/laminate them to make them durable and easily reused. (TEACHER TIP: Most dry erase markers wipe off of lamination pretty easily if it’s wiped off within a reasonable amount of time. Your students may want to mark the important parts of the problem on the actual task card with dry erase marker if you want them to. Just wipe if off after use!) I would suggest storing cards in a labeled plastic container or ziplock bag to keep them organized. It is suggested that you always allow students to use manipulatives as needed, as this can help students feel allowed to express their creative problem-solving thoughts. So, be sure your task card station provides anything students might use to solve problems in their own way: whiteboards, markers, papers, crayons, counters, manipulatives, thinking mats, laminated task cards, etc. For example, if you give students a task card with this problem on it: “Marcy finds 47 apples on the ground. What 3 addends could create this sum? Find and explain at least 5 answers.”, I would provide them with small apple erasers or counters, a whiteboard and dry erase marker, and an iPad to take picture evidence of their five (or more!) answers when they’re finished.  Please refer to pages 10-16 in the resource provided to you below this article for some sample open-ended word problem task cards that you can use with your students immediately!
• Small Groups: To implement open-ended problems in your small groups, using thinking mats, manipulatives, and prepared open-ended problems is a great way to ease students into working on open-ended problems independently. This is a great way to model your own thinking and problem-solving to allow students to see how they can begin their own ways of solving the problems. Take a moment to download and look at the thinking mat activity in the downloadable resource below. You can incorporate these mats into your small group activity by providing each student with a laminated copy of the mat you want to use and manipulatives for them to work with to follow the mat’s directions. For example, the thinking mat that says “Make patterns out of these shapes and name them.” would be an excellent open-ended activity for a group of kindergartners who are working on shapes OR patterns. Give each student a few of each of the pattern blocks shown on the mat and a dry erase marker. Explain and model how YOU would complete the activity by creating a pattern with the pattern blocks, tracing the blocks or drawing your pattern, and then naming it with letters (ie.: rhombus, rhombus, circle would be named an AAB pattern). This will give your students an idea of what’s expected and their little brains can get started coming up with their own patterns!
• Warm Up: Using your warm-up time to practice with open-ended problems is a great way to model your own thinking to the whole. Modeling how to solve these problems step-by-step along with the whole class can help give reluctant participants the courage and understanding to participate and ready participants the reassurance that they’re on the right track. As an example, look at “Activity 3: Creating and Solving Problems” in the downloadable resource. You will notice a few thinking mats included, along with cards that correspond to the mats. For a warm-up activity before you begin your lesson for the day, you could give each student a laminated thinking mat and a corresponding manipulative (like, pass out the table and basket cards and give every student some small apple erasers). Then, project a corresponding task card so that everyone can see it. Read the card together, model one way you could solve the problem using your own thinking mat and manipulatives, and then allow students to solve it their own way to find one or two other answers. I would ask students to record their thinking and answers in a math journal or something similar so I could look back on their skills from early in the year and compare them to the end of the year. This is a quick, great way to collect data on student’s skills without a lot of involvement from you!

These are just a few ways to incorporate open-ended problems into your math time. I encourage you to try one way for a week or two and then experiment with another way once your students are showing they feel confident in the first implementation.

How do I make sure to provide students with open ended math problems during math each day?

In order to provide your students with activities and resources that encourage deep thinking and allow every student to participate, detailed planning is required. Deciding what standards and concept you want to focus on and choosing the best way to practice skills related to that concept before having students complete an activity is crucial to creating an effective learning time. If you peek at page 37 of the resource below, you’ll see a planning page that you can use to plan out the open-ended activities you want to use in your classroom. By editing this page with your own information, you can plan for a week of open-ended activities quickly and efficiently. This is also a great way to hold yourself accountable for how often you’re giving your students the opportunity to work on open-ended activities.

Any way you choose to implement open-ended problems in your classroom, your students are sure to grow in their problem-solving abilities and confidence. Creating a space that is safe for your students to take chances and risks with their learning is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. By incorporating ways for your students to express their individual ways of thinking, like open-ended math problems, you’ll foster a love of creative thinking and confidence in problem-solving skills.

Notes About the Included Resources:

The resources included in this blog post are for you to use in your classroom with your students. More detailed explanations for how to incorporate the activities are included in the resources themselves. There are also a few blank templates within the resource so that you can create your own task cards, thinking mats, and activity plans.

Related Professional Development Courses:

Math Stations for PreK-2nd Grade

Efficient Classroom Processes

Inquiry-Based Learning: Using Inquiry as a Teaching Strategy

(10 PD Hours) Explore the strategies involved in planning and executing inquiry-based lesson plans. The components of an inquiry-led lesson will be outlined and discussed, and participants will learn to develop and plan an inquiry-led lesson.

Project Based Learning

(22 PD Hours) This course gives participants a thorough understanding of Project-Based Learning, including the critical components, as well as common misconceptions. Throughout the course, participants will design their own cycle of PBL they can immediately implement in their own classroom.

All Blog Topics

Classroom Management

• English Language Learners (ELL)

Gifted & Talented

Leadership Development

Lesson & Curriculum Planning

Math Instruction

Parent Involvement

Reading/ELA Instruction

Science Instruction

Social/Emotional Learning

Special Education

Teaching Strategies

Technology In The Classroom

Testing Strategies & Prep

Writing Instruction

DOWNLOADS & RESOURCES

Open Ended Math Activities for the Primary Classroom

Use these templates and graphic organizers for students who may need additional support. Feel free to download and modify the editable version, including the Frayer model template and word bank template.

IMPLEMENTATION GOAL

Choose or create an open-ended math activity to incorporate into your math instructional time. Plan to introduce the activity to your students at the beginning of the week, model and practice how to complete the activity together, and then allow them to work on the activity for 10-15 minutes per day throughout the rest of the week. Take anecdotal notes about growth you notice and how your students react to these kinds of problems. Do they enjoy them? Dread them? Are you seeing improvement in their thinking and willingness to participate? Take note of these kinds of things as the week goes on. Then, decide what open-ended problems you’ll implement the following week.

• What is Open-Ended Problem Solving? – https://mste.illinois.edu/users/aki/open_ended/WhatIsOpen-ended.html
• The Effect of Open-ended Tasks- http://journals.yu.edu.jo/jjes/Issues/2013/Vol9No3/8.pdf
• Clip art generated by Creative Clips Clipart by Krista Walden, http://www.teacherspayteachers/store/krista-walden

Share This Post With Friends or Colleagues!

Your shopping cart, the cart is empty, search our courses, blogs, resources, & articles.

Mastery-Aligned Maths Tutoring

“The best thing has been the increase in confidence and tutors being there to deal with any misunderstandings straight away."

FREE daily maths challenges

A new KS2 maths challenge every day. Perfect as lesson starters - no prep required!

Maths Problem Solving At KS2: Strategies and Resources For Primary School Teachers

John Dabell

Maths problem solving KS2 is crucial to succeeding in national assessments. If your Key Stage 2 pupils are still struggling with reasoning and problem solving in Maths, here are some problem solving strategies to try with your classes; all aligned to Ofsted’s suggested primary school teaching strategies.

Reasoning and problem solving are widely understood to be one of the most important activities in school mathematics. As far back as 1982,  The Cockcroft Report , stated:

‘The ability to solve problems is at the heart of mathematics. Mathematics is only “useful” to the extent to which it can be applied to a particular situation and it is the ability to apply mathematics to a variety of situations to which we give the name “problem solving”. […] At each stage […] the teacher needs to help pupils to understand how to apply the concepts and skills which are being learned and how to make use of them to solve problems. These problems should relate both to the application of mathematics to everyday situations within the pupils’ experience, and also to situations which are unfamiliar.’

Thirty plus years later and problem solving is still the beating heart of the Maths curriculum and – along with fluency and reasoning – completes the triad of aims in the 2014 New National Curriculum.

Ofsted’s view on problem solving in the Maths curriculum

Despite its centrality, Ofsted report that ‘ problem solving is not emphasised enough in the Maths curriculum ’. Not surprisingly, problem solving isn’t taught that well either because teachers can lack confidence, or they tend to rely on a smaller range of tried and tested strategies they feel comfortable with but which may not always ‘hit home’. If you’re looking to provide further support to those learners who haven’t yet mastered problem solving, you probably need a range of different strategies, depending on both the problem being attempted and the aptitude of the pupil.

We’ve therefore created a free KS2 resource aimed at Maths Coordinators and KS2 teachers that teaches you when and how to use 9 key problem solving techniques:  The Ultimate Guide to Problem Solving Techniques

The context around KS2 problem solving

According to Jane Jones, former HMI and National Lead for Mathematics, in her presentation at the Jurassic Maths Hub:

• Problems do not have to be set in real-life contexts, beware pseudo contexts.
• Providing a range of puzzles and other problems helps pupils to reason strategically to approach problems, sequence unfolding solutions, and use recording to help their mathematical thinking for next steps.
• It is particularly important that teachers and TAs stress reasoning, rather than just checking whether the final answer is correct.
• Pupils of all ability need to learn how to solve problems – not just the high attainers or fastest workers.

The Ultimate Guide to Problem Solving Techniques

9 ready-to-go problem solving techniques with accompanying tasks to get KS2 reasoning independently

How to approach KS2 maths problems

So what do we do? Well Ofsted advice is pretty clear on what to do when teaching problem solving. Jane Jones says we should:

• Set problems as part of learning in all topics for all pupils.
• Vary the ways in which you pose problems.
• Try to resist prompting pupils too soon and focusing on getting ‘the answer’ – pupils need to build their confidence, skills and resilience in solving problems, so that they can apply them naturally in other situations.
• Make sure you discuss alternative approaches with pupils to help develop their reasoning.
• Ensure that problems for high attainers involve demanding reasoning and problem-solving skills, not just harder numbers.

Perhaps more than most topics in Maths, teaching pupils how to approach problem solving questions effectively requires a systematic approach. Pupils can face any number of multi-step word problems throughout their SATs and they will face them without our help. To truly give pupils the tools they need to approach problem solving in Maths we must ingrain techniques for  approaching  problems.

With this in mind, below are some methods and techniques for you to consider when teaching problem solving in your KS2 Maths lessons. For greater detail and details on how to teach this methods, download the  Ultimate Guide to Problem Solving Techniques

Models for approaching KS2 problem solving

Becoming self-assured and capable as a problem solver is an intricate business that requires a range of skills and experience. Children need something to follow. They can’t just pluck a plan of attack out of thin air which is why models of problem solving are important especially when made memorable. They help establish a pattern within pupils so that, when they see a problem, they feel confident in taking the steps towards solving it.

Find out how we encourage children to approach problem solving independently in our blog: 20 Maths Strategies KS2 That Guarantee Progress for All Pupils.

The most commonly used model is that of George Polya (1973), who proposed 4 stages in problem solving, namely:

• Understand the problem
• Devise a strategy for solving it
• Carry out the strategy
• Check the result

Many models have followed the Polya model and use acronyms to make the stages stick. Which model you use can depend on the age of the children you are teaching and sometimes the types of word problems they are trying to solve. Below are several examples of Polya model acronyms:

C – Circle the question words U – Underline key words B – Box any key numbers E – Evaluate (what steps do I take?) S – Solve and check (does my answer make sense and how can I double check?)

R – Read the problem correctly. I – Identify the relevant information. D – Determine the operation and unit for expressing the answer. E – Enter the correct numbers and calculate

I – Identify the problem D – Define the problem E – Examine the options A – Act on a plan L – Look at the consequences

R – Read and record the problem I – Illustrate your thinking with pictures, models, number lines etc C – Compute, calculate and check E – Explain your thinking

R – Read the question and underline the important bits U – Understand: think about what to do and write the number sentences you will need C –  Choose how you will work it out S – Solve the problem A – Answer C – Check

Q – Question – read it carefully U – Understand – underline or circle key elements A – Approximate – think about the size of your answer C – Calculate K – Know if the answer is sensible or not

T – Think about the problem and ponder E – Explore and get to the root of the problem A – Act by selecting a strategy R – Reassess and scrutinise and evaluate the efficiency of the method

The idea behind these problem solving models is the same: to give children a structure and to build an internal monitor so they have a business-like way of working through a problem. You can choose which is most appropriate for the age group and ability of the children you are teaching.

The model you choose is less important than knowing that pupils can draw upon a model to follow, ensuring they approach problems in a systematic and meaningful way. A far simpler model – that we use in the   Ultimate Guide to KS2 Problem Solving Techniques  – is UCR: Understand the problem, Communicate and Reflect.

You then need to give pupils lots of opportunities to practice this! You can find lots of FREE White Rose Maths aligned maths resources, problem solving activities and printable worksheets for KS1 and KS2 pupils in the Third Space Learning Maths Hub .

You might also be interested in:

• 25 Fun Maths Problems For KS2 And KS3 (From Easy To Very Hard!)
• 30 Problem Solving Maths Questions And Answers For GCSE
• Why SSDD Problems Are Such An Effective Tool To Teach Problem Solving At KS3 & KS4

What’s included in the guide?

After reading the  Ultimate Guide to KS2 Problem Solving Techniques , we guarantee you will have a new problem solving technique to test out in class tomorrow. It provides question prompts and activities to try out, and shows you step by step how to teach these 9 techniques

• Open ended problem solving
• Using logical reasoning

Working backwards

Drawing a diagram

Drawing a table

Creating an organised list

Looking for a pattern

Acting it out

Guessing and checking

Cognitive Activation: getting KS2 pupils in the lightbulb zone

If you need more persuasion, pupils who use strategies that inspire them to think more deeply about maths problems are linked with higher Maths achievement. In 2015 The  National Education Research Foundation  (NFER) published ‘ PISA in Practice: Cognitive Activation in Maths ’. This shrewd report has largely slipped under the Maths radar but it offers considerable food for thought regarding what we can do as teachers to help mathematical literacy and boost higher mathematical achievement.

Cognitive Activation isn’t anything mysterious; just teaching problem solving strategies that pupils can think about and call upon when confronted by a Maths problem they are trying to solve. Cognitive It encourages us as teachers to develop problems that can be solved in more than one way and ‘may require different solutions in different contexts’. For this to work, exposing children to challenging content and encouraging a culture of exploratory talk is key. As is:

• Giving pupils maths problem solving questions that require them to think for an extended time.
• Asking pupils to use their own procedures for solving complex problems.
• Creating a learning community where pupils are able to make mistakes.
• Asking pupils to explain how they solved a problem and why they choose that method.
• Presenting pupils with problems in different contexts and ask them to apply what they have learned to new contexts.
• Giving pupils problems with no immediately obvious method of solution or multiple solutions.
• Encouraging pupils to reflect on problems.

Sparking cognitive activation is the same as sparking a fire – once it is lit it can burn on its own. It does, however, require time, structure, and the use of several techniques for approaching problem solving. Techniques, such as open-ended problem solving, are usually learned by example so we advise you create several models to go through with pupils, as well as challenge questions for independent work. Many examples exist and we encourage you to explore more (e.g. analysing and investigating, creating a tree diagram, and using simpler numbers).

Read these:

• How to develop maths reasoning skills in KS2 pupils
• FREE CPD PowerPoint: Reasoning Problem Solving & Planning for Depth
• KS3 Maths Problem Solving

That time, effort, and planning will – however – be well spent. Equipping pupils with the tools to solve problems they have never seen before is more akin to teaching for life than teaching for Maths. The skills they gain from being taught problem solving successfully will be skills they use and hone for the rest of their life – not just for their SATs.

For a range of problem solving techniques, complete with explanations, contextual uses, example problems and challenge questions – don’t forget to download our free  Ultimate Guide to KS2 problem solving and reasoning techniques  resource here.

KS2 problem Solving FAQs

Here are some techniques to teach problem solving to primary school pupils: Open ended problem solving Using logical reasoning Working backwards Drawing a diagram Drawing a table Creating an organised list Looking for a pattern Acting it out Guessing and checking

Ofsted say that teachers can encourage problem-solving by: Setting problems as part of learning in all topics for all pupils. Varying the ways in which you pose problems. Trying to resist prompting pupils too soon and focusing on getting ‘the answer’ – pupils need to build their confidence, skills and resilience in solving problems, so that they can apply them naturally in other situations. Making sure you discuss alternative approaches with pupils to help develop their reasoning. Ensuring that problems for high attainers involve demanding reasoning and problem-solving skills, not just harder numbers.

DO YOU HAVE STUDENTS WHO NEED MORE SUPPORT IN MATHS?

Every week Third Space Learning’s specialist online maths tutors support thousands of students across hundreds of schools with weekly online 1 to 1 maths lessons designed to plug gaps and boost progress.

Since 2013 these personalised one to 1 lessons have helped over 150,000 primary and secondary students become more confident, able mathematicians.

Learn how the programmes are aligned to maths mastery teaching or request a personalised quote for your school to speak to us about your school’s needs and how we can help.

Related articles

Maths Problem Solving: Engaging Your Students And Strengthening Their Mathematical Skills

Free Year 7 Maths Test With Answers And Mark Scheme: Mixed Topic Questions

What Is A Number Square? Explained For Primary School Teachers, Parents & Pupils

What Is Numicon? Explained For Primary School Teachers, Parents And Pupils

FREE Guide to Maths Mastery

All you need to know to successfully implement a mastery approach to mathematics in your primary school, at whatever stage of your journey.

Ideal for running staff meetings on mastery or sense checking your own approach to mastery.

Privacy Overview

10 Fun Math Problem Solving Activities

I love using fun games and activities to get my kids excited about math. That’s why I was so excited to discover Beast Academy Playground! The site includes a wide variety of math problem solving activities, games, puzzles, and ideas that can be used with your current homeschool curriculum. If you’re looking for some fun ways to get your child interested in math again or some new ideas for teaching math at home, this is a great place to start.

I received compensation in exchange for my honest review, but all the opinions in this post are my own.

What is Beast Academy Playground?

As a homeschool parent, I know that fun math problem solving activities are hard to come by. Practicing math can be frustrating and boring for kids. And, it’s not enough to just teach math facts – children need to learn how to solve complex problems too!

Beast Academy Playground is the perfect solution. This site was created by Beast Academy, a homeschool curriculum for kids ages 8-13 that’s written as a comic book. Beast Academy Playground is a website that includes a growing library of fun activity ideas for kids ages 4-11.

The site includes both tabletop games that can be played with paper and pencil and more active games that can be played outside. Parents can sort the activities by concept, age, number of players, and more to find the perfect activity to complement any math lesson. New activities, games, and crafts are added to the site weekly.

Key Features of Beast Academy Playground

I love that every game on the site includes variations. These are different ways to adapt the game to fit the number of kids in your family or the age and grade level of your child.

In addition, most of the games can be played alone or in small groups. This makes Beast Academy Playground so easy for the whole family to use together!

Beast Academy Playground was developed by the experts at Art of Problem Solving, who are global leaders in K-12 math education. Each activity is intentionally designed to help kids learn new math concepts.

I was excited to see that each game also includes learning notes. This section helps parents understand what their kids will be learning when they play the game. I felt like I was prepared to be a better math teacher after I read the tips in this section!

Check out Beast Academy Playground and learn more now!

How to use Math Problem Solving Activities in Your Homeschool

Introduce a new concept.

One way to use problem-solving activities in your math lessons is to help introduce a new concept. For example, when we were learning about even and odd numbers, we started our math lesson by playing the Odds vs. Evens game from Beast Academy Playground. This simple math problem solving activity is a variation on the game Rock Paper Scissors. This was a fun way to help us review addition facts while introducing the concept of odd and even numbers.

Practice Problem-Solving Skills

Another great way to use Beast Academy Playground is to help kids practice their problem-solving skills. One fun problem solving game that my kids love is the Fox and Hare game. In this outdoor game, the fox needs to use strategy to try to catch the hare on a grid, while the hare tries to avoid capture. You can change the size of the grid to create a variety of problems for kids to solve.

Practice Math Facts

If your kids need extra practice with their math facts, games and math puzzles can be a fun way to practice these important skills. Beast Academy Playground has games for addition and subtraction, as well as concepts like skip counting that will help kids learn their multiplication facts.

One favorite that we enjoyed was Troll Hole . In this game, we took turns writing numbers on a special game board. In the end, we had to add up all the numbers to see who was the winner. My kids had so much fun with the theme of this game and loved getting to draw the troll in the hole!

Independent learning

As homeschool parents, we always need ideas for independent learning activities. Beast Academy Playground includes some great math problem solving games that are perfect for self-directed math learning. The many different activities on the site include several fun activities for one player that kids can work through independently to reinforce their math skills.

For extra review

Hands-on activities are also helpful when kids need a little extra review on a topic. For example, we played Kanga Ruler to help review skip counting. The kids loved this game because it was active and fun!

Top 10 Math Problem Solving Activities from Beast Academy Playground

Here are 10 of our favorite games that help kids develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, all while having fun at the same time.

Trashketball

In this game, kids aim and try to score a basket into a trash can. Then, they add up the points they score. You can modify this game to add extra intellectual challenges for older kids or adapt the math so that younger kids can play too!

Trashketball was my kids’ favorite Beast Academy game, hands down. They loved trying to score as many baskets as they could. They had so much fun that they decided to keep playing even after our math lesson was finished!

Learn how to play Trashketball here.

In this math game for young children, kids race to stack towers of number cards. This is a great way to review numbers and counting. My kids really enjoyed trying to build the tallest tower that they could!

Learn how to play Towers here.

Bumper Cars

Although it took us a few tries to understand the strategy behind this game, my kids loved the concept of trying to figure out new ways to move the cars on the road. This was another great mathematical practice for strategy and solving difficult math problems.

Learn how to play Bumper Cars here.

Hungry Monster

This was a great way to practice inequalities and comparing numbers, and my kids loved feeding the correct answer in each inequality to the hungry monster!

Learn how to play Hungry Monster here.

Fruit Flies

In this math game for older problem solvers, kids try to claim as many grapes as they can for themselves, while blocking their opponent from getting any. This game is like an interactive logic puzzle, and it’s a good way for kids to learn critical thinking skills.

Learn how to play Fruit Flies here.

Blind Heist

In this game, Battleship meets addition as kids try to build the highest towers on their own secret side of the board. There are many different solutions and strategies to be successful, and my kids loved trying different solutions to this open-ended problem.

Learn how to play Blind Heist here.

Möbius Madness

This is a classic brain teaser for a reason- my kids were fascinated by the magic of a piece of paper with only one side. My kids were able to follow the directions easily and afterwards, they were excited to show their magical piece of paper to everyone who would watch.

Learn how to play Möbius Madness here.

This fast-paced card game was the perfect way to help my kids practice their addition facts.

Learn how to play Fifteen here.

Cookie Cutter

This game helps kids practice both spatial reasoning skills and fine motor skills at the same time. And, the result is a fun picture that they can color!

Learn how to play Cookie Cutter here.

Odd Knights

This was a fun way to practice even and odd (and it even led to a history lesson about the Knights of the Round Table!)

Learn how to play Odd Knights here.

What math problem solving activities will you use?

Whether it’s for extra practice or math review , Beast Academy Playground has something for every math learner. This site is a great resource to find exciting games that help kids develop number sense, problem solving, and logical thinking skills. If you want fun and engaging math activities that don’t require a textbook, this is the place to go. For more math problem solving activities and fun math games, check out Beast Academy Playground !

Find hands on activities to teach spelling and reading here!

Similar Posts

Homeschool Life Magazine Review

I am honored that an article that I wrote has been published in Homeschool Life Magazine! Keep reading for my Homeschool Life Magazine review! I only recommend products that I use and that we love.  This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links. There is…

BrainPOP Homeschool Curriculum Review

I am always on the lookout for easy-to-use ways to supplement our homeschool curriculum with online learning. And I am always excited to find apps that my kids can use all by themselves. That’s why I was so excited to discover BrainPOP Homeschool. BrainPOP provides curriculum and educational resources for both public schools and homeschool…

Online Homeschool Electives with Allschool

Recently, I was looking for a fun change in our homeschool routine. My kids had been sick and it had been raining, so we were stuck inside for several weeks in a row. Even though we were inside, I wanted my kids to have a fun experience and learn something new. That’s why I was…

Teach by Dennis DiNoia Review

As a homeschool mom and a former public school teacher, I know how important it is to help my kids become adults who want to learn on their own, and who know how to do so. However, it can be easy as a homeschool parent to get so focused on finishing the day’s plans in…

My Homeschool Charlotte Mason Curriculum

I have always wanted to try the Charlotte Mason method in our homeschool. I love the idea of teaching my kids using living books and spending lots of time outside. But, even as an experienced homeschooler I struggled to figure out how to implement Charlotte Mason’s method for my kids. That’s why I was so…

Homeschool+ – The Best Online Homeschool for Kindergarten

As a busy homeschool parent, I’m always on the lookout for curriculum options that make homeschooling my kids easy. Online courses are often a great choice for busy homeschool families because they allow kids to work independently, even at young ages. That’s why I was so excited to hear about Homeschool+, an online program that…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

60 Elementary Hands-On Math Teaching Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links.

Hands-on learning is incredibly important for kids. There are a million reasons why! Today I am highlighting more than 60 elementary hands-on math teaching ideas that I have featured over the years on my site. This list will continues to grow, too! I love teaching math in creative ways!

These resources can be used at home or in the classroom. Use them asa hands-on activity in your math center. These ideas are all better than any flashcards you could use!

Check out my post with The BEST Hands-on Math Supplies and manipulatives that we love. Then browse through my list below highlighting all of the fun ways you can teach math to elementary-aged kids.

If You want even more maths activities and ideas, be sure to check out my new book Math Art & Drawing Games for Kid s!

Hands-On Math Activities: Fractions & Decimals

There are loads of fun ways to teach fractions here on my site. There are just so many cool ways to teach them. We are only just getting into decimals around here, so watch for more learning fun on that topic, too!

1.  Fraction Trees

2.  Pi Puzzle

3.  Snowman Fractions

4.  Roll a Whole Fraction Game

5.  Fraction Flowers

6.  Hershey Fractions

7.  Fractions With Flags

8.  Skittles Math

9.  Fraction Decimal Percentage Puzzles

10.  Fraction Cookies

11.  Each Orange Had 8 Slices

12. Pizza Fractions

Hands-On Math: Shapes & Geometry

Geometry is a wonderful thing to start teaching at an early age. The younger kids understand these math concepts, the easier upper level math will be for them.

13.  3-D Paper Shapes

14.  Area & Perimeter City

15. Make a Stellated Dodecahedron

16.  Volume of 3-D Shapes

17.  Pentominoes made from wooden cubes

18.  Licorice Shapes & Angles

19.  STEM Construction Toys: Zome Tools

20.  Marshmallow & Toothpick Geometry

21.  Perler Bead Tangrams

22.  Rainbow Icosahedron Ball

23.  Heart Shaped Math Puzzle  from Hand Made Kids Art

24.  How to Make a Circle Geoboard

25.  Gingerbread House Geometry

26. Geometric Shapes Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands

Hands-On Math: Counting, Addition & Subtraction

This is where math begins. Let your kids know  how much fun math really can be with these creative teaching ideas for addition, subtraction and counting.

27.  Lock & Key Addition Puzzles

28.  Pascal’s Triangle

29.  Hundred Chart Puzzle

30.  Hundred Chart Learning Ideas

31.  Place Value Cards

32.  Place Value Flip Chart

33.  Teaching Greater Than & Less Than from Only Passionate Curiosity

34.  Leap Frog Math

35.  Math Checkers

36. Make Ten Math Game

37.  Popsicle Stick Math

38.  Roll the Digits Math Game

39.  Eye Dropper Dot Counting

40.  Build a House Math Bingo

41.  Roll a Beetle Math Game

42.  Kinetic Sand Math from Left Brain Craft Brain

43.  Safe Cracker Math Game

44.  Dice Games for Early Math : from Danya Banya

45.  Math Grid Game

46.  Building Lego Numbers from Little Bins for Little hands

47.  Human Board Game from True Aim Education

Hands On Math: Multiplication & Division

Just when math starts getting a little harder is when kids start to tune out. Keep it interesting with creative multiplication and division teaching ideas.

48.  Multiplication Grid Game

49.  Target Number Card Game

50.  Count the Dots Multiplication Game

51.  Math Wheels

52.  Division With Money Puzzles

53.  Fun Ways to Teach Division to Kids

54.  Mondrian Style Fibonacci Art

55.  Math Fact Families

56.  Multiplication Houses

57.  Doubles Math Puzzles

58. Skip Counting Multiplication Helpers

59.  Spill The Beans Game

60.  One Grain of Rice Math Lesson

Hands On Math: Money & Time

These essential math skills can seem dry for kids, but here are a couple of great ways to have fun teaching and learning them!

61.  The Money Game

62.  Chalkboard Clock

63.  Play Store

64.  Shadow Sun Dial

65.  Grouchy Ladybug Clock Stories

Hands-On Math: Weights & Measurements

Measure and weigh in unique ways! Check out these cool ideas.

66.  Hershey Weights & Measurements

67.  Weighing with Pennies

68.  Math Paper Tricks

69.  Gallon Man 

70.  Measuring with Magna-Tiles from Go Science Girls

This is part of the iHN Hands-On Homeschooling link-up. Check out what the rest of the iHomeschool Network bloggers shared!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

Similar Posts

Smoking Dragon Science with Dry Ice

Gravity Experiment: Gravity Spinner Toy

Pretend Play: Anatomy Lab

New Year Countdown Punch Pinata

Color and Light Experiments with a Light Box

STEM Toy: Penny Spinners

These are fantastic ideas! I love when math can be made hands-on. Anytime we can get children physically involved, it makes it more enjoyable and the concepts sink in better.

Great learning site

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Demme Learning

Building Lifelong Learners

• Default Sort Order
• Alphabetical: A to Z

Customer Service: M-Th 8:30am - 6pm ET Live Chat • 888-854-6284 • Email

3 Problem-Solving Math Activities

Scottie Altland · September 5, 2018 · 1 Comment

A problem is simply a “problem” because there is no immediate, known solution. Problem solving activities in mathematics extend well beyond traditional word problems .

You can provide your student with activities that promote application of math skills while “busting boredom” at the same time! Puzzles and riddles, patterns, and logic problems can all be valuable exercises for students at all levels of mathematics. By engaging in short, fun activities like these, you can help your student become a more skillful, resilient, and successful problem-solver.

When practicing problem-solving skills, be certain to give your student time to explore a problem on her own to see how they might get started. Then discuss their approach together. It is important to provide support during the problem-solving process by showing that you value their ideas and helping them to see that mistakes can be useful. You can do this by asking open-ended questions to help your student gain a starting point, focus on a particular strategy, or help see a pattern or relationship. Questions such as, “What have you done before like this?”, “What can be made from …?” or “What might happen if you change…?” may serve as prompts when they needs inspiration.

Try the activities below to boost your student’s problem-solving skills.

Download the activities here .

1) Toothpick Puzzles

Toothpick puzzles (also referred to as matchstick puzzles) provide students a visualization challenge by applying their knowledge of basic geometric shapes and orientations. The only supplies you need are a box of toothpicks, a workspace, and a puzzle to solve. The goal is for students to transform given geometric figures into others by adding, moving, or removing toothpicks. These puzzles range in complexity and can be found online or in math puzzle books. As an extension, challenge your student to create their own puzzle for someone else to solve.

Sample toothpick puzzles of varying difficulty:

Download solutions to this activity here.

2) Fencing Numbers

The goal of this activity is to create a border or “fence” around each numeral by connecting dots horizontally and vertically so that each digit is bordered by the correct number of line segments.

Print a sheet of dot paper .

Use pencils and scissors to cut the size grid you want to use.

This game can be modified for abilities by adjusting the size of the grid and amount of numerals written. For example, a beginning student might begin with a grid that is 5 x 5 dots with a total of four numerals, while a more advanced student might increase the grid to 7 x 7 dots with six to eight numerals.

Begin by writing the digits 0, 1, 2, and 3 spread repeatedly in between “squares” on the dot paper. Each digit represents the number of line segments that will surround that square. For instance, a square that contains a 3 would have line segments on three sides, and a square that contains a 2 would have line segments on two sides, and so on. See the example boards and solutions for a 5 x 5 grid below.

Beware; there may be multiple solutions for the same problem! Thus, encourage your student to replicate the same problem grid multiple times and look for different solutions. A more advanced student can be challenged to create their own problem. Can they make a grid with only one solution? Is it possible to make a problem with four or more possible solutions?

3) It’s Knot a Problem!

Exercise lateral thinking skills– solving a problem through an indirect and creative approach that is not immediately obvious. You need two people, two pieces of string (or yarn) about one meter long each (or long enough so the person who will wear it can easily step over it), and some empty space to move around. If possible, use two different colored pieces of string. Each person needs a piece of string with a loop tied in both ends so it can be worn like “handcuffs”. Before tying off the loop on the second wrist, the participants loop the string around each other so they are hooked together. The figure below illustrates how the strings should appear when completed.

The goal is to unhook the strings while following these guidelines:

1) The string must remain tied and may not be removed from either participant’s wrists. 2) The string cannot be broken, cut, or damaged in any way.

Caution! This activity not only tests problem-solving skills, but it also promotes positive communication, teamwork, and persistence.

Problem-solving skills are not always taught directly but often learned indirectly through experience and practice. When incorporating problem solving activities aim to make them open-ended and playful to keep your student engaged. Incorporating fun activities like these from time to time foster creative and flexible thinking and can help your student transfer problem solving skills to other subject areas. By providing guidance and helping your student to see a problem from different perspectives, you will help foster a positive disposition towards problem-solving. As your student continues to learn how to effectively solve problems, they increase their understanding of the world around them and develop the tools they need to make decisions about the way they approach a problem.

We Are Here to Help

If you have questions about teaching math, we are here to help!

Reader Interactions

February 25, 2020 at 11:13 am

The ideas are very brilliant it encourages critical thinking and also help student think for a solution. Awesome!😍

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Stories

How to Choose Fun Math Activities with Purpose

Engaging Summer Math Activities & Games

11 Effective Ways to Promote Math Fact Fluency

• STEM Ambassadors
• School trusts
• ITE and governors
• Invest in schools
• STEM careers inspiration
• Benefits and impact
• Our supporters
• Become a STEM Ambassador
• Request a STEM Ambassador
• Employer information
• Training and support
• STEM Ambassadors Partners
• Working with community groups
• Search icon
• Join the STEM Community

Problem Solving

 A selection of resources containing a wide range of open-ended tasks, practical tasks, investigations and real life problems, to support investigative work and problem solving in primary mathematics.

Problem Solving in Primary Maths - the Session

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Teachers TV

In this programme shows a group of four upper Key Stage Two children working on a challenging problem; looking at the interior and exterior angles of polygons and how they relate to the number of sides. The problem requires the children to listen to each other and to work together co-operatively. The two boys and two girls are closely observed as they consider how to tackle the problem, make mistakes, get stuck and arrive at the "eureka" moment. They organise the data they collect and are then able to spot patterns and relate them to the original problem to find a formula to work out the exterior angle of any polygon. At the end of the session the children report back to Mark, explaining how they arrived at the solution, an important part of the problem solving process.

In a  second video  two maths experts discuss some of the challenges of teaching problem solving. This includes how and at what stage to introduce problem solving strategies and the appropriate moment to intervene when children find tasks difficult. They also discuss how problem solving in the curriculum also helps to develop life skills.

Cards for Cubes: Problem Solving Activities for Young Children

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Claire Publications

This book provides a series of problem solving activities involving cubes. The tasks start simply and progress to more complicated activities so could be used for different ages within Key Stages One and Two depending on ability. The first task is a challenge to create a camel with 50 cubes that doesn't fall over. Different characters are introduced throughout the book and challenges set to create various animals, monsters and structures using different numbers of cubes. Problems are set to incorporate different areas of mathematical problem solving they are: using maths, number, algebra and measure.

Problem solving with EYFS, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two children

Quality Assured Category: Computing Publisher: Department for Education

These three resources, from the National Strategies, focus on solving problems.

  Logic problems and puzzles  identifies the strategies children may use and the learning approaches teachers can plan to teach problem solving. There are two lessons for each age group.

Finding all possibilities focuses on one particular strategy, finding all possibilities. Other resources that would enhance the problem solving process are listed, these include practical apparatus, the use of ICT and in particular Interactive Teaching Programs .

Finding rules and describing patterns focuses on problems that fall into the category 'patterns and relationships'. There are seven activities across the year groups. Each activity includes objectives, learning outcomes, resources, vocabulary and prior knowledge required. Each lesson is structured with a main teaching activity, drawing together and a plenary, including probing questions.

Primary mathematics classroom resources

Quality Assured Collection Category: Mathematics Publisher: Association of Teachers of Mathematics

This selection of 5 resources is a mixture of problem-solving tasks, open-ended tasks, games and puzzles designed to develop students' understanding and application of mathematics.

Thinking for Ourselves: These activities, from the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) publication 'Thinking for Ourselves’, provide a variety of contexts in which students are encouraged to think for themselves. Activity 1: In the bag – More or less requires students to record how many more or less cubes in total...

8 Days a Week: The resource consists of eight questions, one for each day of the week and one extra. The questions explore odd numbers, sequences, prime numbers, fractions, multiplication and division.

Number Picnic: The problems make ideal starter activities

Matchstick Problems: Contains two activities concentrating upon the process of counting and spotting patterns. Uses id eas about the properties of number and the use of knowledge and reasoning to work out the rules.

Colours: Use logic, thinking skills and organisational skills to decide which information is useful and which is irrelevant in order to find the solution.

GAIM Activities: Practical Problems

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Nelson Thornes

Designed for secondary learners, but could also be used to enrich the learning of upper primary children, looking for a challenge. These are open-ended tasks encourage children to apply and develop mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding and to integrate these in order to make decisions and draw conclusions.

Examples include:

*Every Second Counts - Using transport timetables, maps and knowledge of speeds to plan a route leading as far away from school as possible in one hour.

*Beach Guest House - Booking guests into appropriate rooms in a hotel.

*Cemetery Maths - Collecting relevant data from a visit to a local graveyard or a cemetery for testing a hypothesis.

*Design a Table - Involving diagrams, measurements, scale.

Go Further with Investigations

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Collins Educational

A collection of 40 investigations designed for use with the whole class or smaller groups. It is aimed at upper KS2 but some activities may be adapted for use with more able children in lower KS2. It covers different curriculum areas of mathematics.

Starting Investigations

The forty student investigations in this book are non-sequential and focus mainly on the mathematical topics of addition, subtraction, number, shape and colour patterns, and money.

The apparatus required for each investigation is given on the student sheets and generally include items such as dice, counters, number cards and rods. The sheets are written using as few words as possible in order to enable students to begin working with the minimum of reading.

NRICH Primary Activities

Explore the NRICH primary tasks which aim to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. Lots of whole class open ended investigations and problem solving tasks. These tasks really get children thinking!

Mathematical reasoning: activities for developing thinking skills

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: SMILE

Problem Solving 2

Reasoning about numbers, with challenges and simplifications.

Quality Assured Category: Mathematics Publisher: Department for Education

10 Helpful Worksheet Ideas for Primary School Math Lessons

M athematics is a fundamental subject that shapes the way children think and analyze the world. At the primary school level, laying a strong foundation is crucial. While hands-on activities, digital tools, and interactive discussions play significant roles in learning, worksheets remain an essential tool for reinforcing concepts, practicing skills, and assessing understanding. Here’s a look at some helpful worksheets for primary school math lessons.

Comparison Chart Worksheets

Comparison charts provide a visual means for primary school students to grasp relationships between numbers or concepts. They are easy to make at www.storyboardthat.com/create/comparison-chart-template , and here is how they can be used:

• Quantity Comparison: Charts might display two sets, like apples vs. bananas, prompting students to determine which set is larger.
• Attribute Comparison: These compare attributes, such as different shapes detailing their number of sides and characteristics.
• Number Line Comparisons: These help students understand number magnitude by placing numbers on a line to visualize their relative sizes.
• Venn Diagrams: Introduced in later primary grades, these diagrams help students compare and contrast two sets of items or concepts.
• Weather Charts: By comparing weather on different days, students can learn about temperature fluctuations and patterns.

Number Recognition and Counting Worksheets

For young learners, recognizing numbers and counting is the first step into the world of mathematics. Worksheets can offer:

• Number Tracing: Allows students to familiarize themselves with how each number is formed.
• Count and Circle: Images are presented, and students have to count and circle the correct number.
• Missing Numbers: Sequences with missing numbers that students must fill in to practice counting forward and backward.

Basic Arithmetic Worksheets

Once students are familiar with numbers, they can start simple arithmetic. 

• Addition and Subtraction within 10 or 20: Using visual aids like number lines, counters, or pictures can be beneficial.
• Word Problems: Simple real-life scenarios can help students relate math to their daily lives.
• Skip Counting: Worksheets focused on counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s.

Geometry and Shape Worksheets

Geometry offers a wonderful opportunity to relate math to the tangible world.

• Shape Identification: Recognizing and naming basic shapes such as squares, circles, triangles, etc.
• Comparing Shapes: Worksheets that help students identify differences and similarities between shapes.
• Pattern Recognition: Repeating shapes in patterns and asking students to determine the next shape in the sequence.

Measurement Worksheets

Measurement is another area where real-life application and math converge.

• Length and Height: Comparing two or more objects and determining which is longer or shorter.
• Weight: Lighter vs. heavier worksheets using balancing scales as visuals.
• Time: Reading clocks, days of the week, and understanding the calendar.

Data Handling Worksheets

Even at a primary level, students can start to understand basic data representation.

• Tally Marks: Using tally marks to represent data and counting them.
• Simple Bar Graphs: Interpreting and drawing bar graphs based on given data.
• Pictographs: Using pictures to represent data, which can be both fun and informative.

Place Value Worksheets

Understanding the value of each digit in a number is fundamental in primary math.

• Identifying Place Values: Recognizing units, tens, hundreds, etc., in a given number.
• Expanding Numbers: Breaking down numbers into their place value components, such as understanding 243 as 200 + 40 + 3.
• Comparing Numbers: Using greater than, less than, or equal to symbols to compare two numbers based on their place values.

Fraction Worksheets

Simple fraction concepts can be introduced at the primary level.

• Identifying Fractions: Recognizing half, quarter, third, etc., of shapes or sets.
• Comparing Fractions: Using visual aids like pie charts or shaded drawings to compare fractions.
• Simple Fraction Addition: Adding fractions with the same denominator using visual aids.

Money and Real-Life Application Worksheets

Understanding money is both practical and a great way to apply arithmetic.

• Identifying Coins and Notes: Recognizing different denominations.
• Simple Transactions: Calculating change, adding up costs, or determining if there’s enough money to buy certain items.
• Word Problems with Money: Real-life scenarios involving buying, selling, and saving.

Logic and Problem-Solving Worksheets

Even young students can hone their problem-solving skills with appropriate challenges.

• Sequences and Patterns: Predicting the next item in a sequence or recognizing a pattern.
• Logical Reasoning: Simple puzzles or riddles that require students to think critically.
• Story Problems: Reading a short story and solving a math-related problem based on the context.

Worksheets allow students to practice at their own pace, offer teachers a tool for assessment, and provide parents with a glimpse into their child’s learning progression. While digital tools and interactive activities are gaining prominence in education, the significance of worksheets remains undiminished. They are versatile and accessible and, when designed creatively, can make math engaging and fun for young learners.

The post 10 Helpful Worksheet Ideas for Primary School Math Lessons appeared first on Mom and More .

Math and Logic Puzzles

If you REALLY like exercising your brain, figuring things 'round and 'round till you explode, then this is the page for you !

Whosoever shall solve these puzzles shall Rule The Universe!

... or at least they should ...

Not a Member?

Read more about the Member Benefits of MAV and find out how to join MAV or renew your membership.

• Authentic tasks
• F - 10 Resources

Authentic tasks are designed to help students see mathematics as worthwhile and important. When students understand the purpose of a given problem in mathematics, they are more likely to persist when challenged. Authentic tasks generally have an ‘open middle’ which means that students can use different representations and solutions to communicate their knowledge and reasoning.

These curated links provide MAV members with access to nine authentic tasks from some of our primary consultants’ favourite resources. The 11 criteria provide MAV members with a research-informed context to consider each task’s potential impact on student thinking, ways of working, attitudes towards mathematics, their knowledge and understanding.

The following criteria was used to select the tasks based on their potential:

Used with permission © Martin Holt Educational Consultant 2017

If you would like to learn more about this approach to assessing or using tasks contact [email protected]

Statistics and probability

Measurement and geometry, number and algebra.

These support pages were produced using Strategic Partnership Program funding from the Department of Education and Training.

• Document Listing
• Undergrad and first year teachers
• Picture books
• Mathspiration
• News and research
• Curriculum and resources
• VCE Resources
• Investigations - Vinculum
• Learning Activities Years F to 9
• Town Squared-game
• Mathematics in Careers

The Common Denominator 2/24

DOWNLOAD NOW

• Join or Renew Membership
• Register for Professional Learning
• Maths Talent Quest
• Girls in STEM
• VCE Revision Lectures
• Resources in the MAV Shop

Maths:Like King Of Poker 4+

Learningfundamentalmathematics, alisha bhanu, designed for iphone, iphone screenshots, description.

The importance of mathematics in primary school is reflected in several aspects. Firstly, mathematics is one of the fundamental subjects in primary education, crucial for cultivating students' logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Through the study of mathematics, students gradually acquire abilities such as abstract thinking, inductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning, which not only play a role in mathematics learning but also positively impact the learning of other subjects. Secondly, learning mathematics can exercise students' computational abilities and precision. In daily life, whether it's shopping, time management, or other activities, mathematical knowledge and skills are needed. Through primary school mathematics learning, students can gradually establish a basic understanding and skillset for numbers and calculations, laying a solid foundation for future learning and life. Moreover, mathematics is an effective way to cultivate students' innovative thinking and creativity. In mathematics learning, students need to constantly explore new problem-solving ideas and methods, which helps stimulate their innovative thinking and creativity. By solving mathematical problems, students can experience the joy of success, further motivating their interest and drive in learning. Finally, learning mathematics in primary school also helps cultivate students' patience and perseverance. Mathematics is a subject that requires patience and perseverance to learn. Through continuous practice and consolidation, students can gradually improve their mathematical abilities. This process also helps cultivate students' self-discipline and self-management skills. In conclusion, the importance of mathematics in primary school cannot be overlooked. It is not only a fundamental subject for cultivating students' logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, but also an effective way to exercise their computational abilities, precision, innovative thinking, and creativity. At the same time, the study of mathematics also helps cultivate students' patience and perseverance, laying a solid foundation for their overall development.

Version 1.1.1

fix "All Answers" view crash bug

App Privacy

The developer, Alisha Bhanu , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

You Might Also Like

Poker Pursuit - Blackjack

BlackjackPuke

New ABC Solitaire IQ

Speed Number 123

Poker Jewels™ Las Vegas Tycoon

Happy jigsaw puzzles - calm

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

• The Number System and Place Value
• Calculations and Numerical Methods
• Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
• Properties of Numbers
• Patterns, Sequences and Structure
• Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
• Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

• Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
• 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
• Measuring and calculating with units
• Transformations and constructions
• Pythagoras and Trigonometry
• Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

• Handling, Processing and Representing Data
• Probability

Working mathematically

• Thinking mathematically
• Mathematical mindsets
• Cross-curricular contexts
• Physical and digital manipulatives

For younger learners

• Early Years Foundation Stage

Advanced mathematics

• Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
• Advanced Probability and Statistics

Published 2001 Revised 2014

Using Questioning to Stimulate Mathematical Thinking

Types of questions, levels of mathematical thinking, combining the categories.