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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.
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Working Systematically at KS2 - Primary Teachers
This page has been superseded by our Working Systematically - Primary Teachers page
Scroll down to see our complete collection of KS2 problems that require children to work systematically, or explore the two sub-collections focusing on important aspects of systematic working.
This collection is one of our Primary Curriculum collections - tasks that are grouped by topic.
Finding All Possibilities Upper Primary
These activities focus on finding all possible solutions so working in a systematic way will ensure none are left out.
Ordered Ways of Working Upper Primary
These activities lend themselves to systematic working in the sense that it helps to have an ordered approach.
Sitting Round the Party Tables
Sweets are given out to party-goers in a particular way. Investigate the total number of sweets received by people sitting in different positions.
Beads and Bags
How could you put these three beads into bags? How many different ways can you do it? How could you record what you've done?
What could the half time scores have been in these Olympic hockey matches?
School Fair Necklaces
How many possible symmetrical necklaces can you find? How do you know you've found them all?
Nine-pin Triangles
How many different triangles can you make on a circular pegboard that has nine pegs?
Five More Coins
Could Ben have any amount of money between 5p and £2 in his pocket if he has five coins?
What Do You Need?
Four of these clues are needed to find the chosen number on this grid and four are true but do nothing to help in finding the number. Can you sort out the clues and find the number?
A Mixed-up Clock
There is a clock-face where the numbers have become all mixed up. Can you find out where all the numbers have got to from these ten statements?
Fifteen Cards
Can you use the information to find out which cards I have used?
Guess the Dominoes
This task depends on learners sharing reasoning, listening to opinions, reflecting and pulling ideas together.
Greater Than or Less Than?
Use the numbers and symbols to make this number sentence correct. How many different ways can you find?
Can you put the numbers 1-5 in the V shape so that both 'arms' have the same total?
Coded Hundred Square
This 100 square jigsaw is written in code. It starts with 1 and ends with 100. Can you build it up?
Multiply Multiples 1
Can you complete this calculation by filling in the missing numbers? In how many different ways can you do it?
Buying a Balloon
Lolla bought a balloon at the circus. She gave the clown six coins to pay for it. What could Lolla have paid for the balloon?
Round the Dice Decimals 1
Use two dice to generate two numbers with one decimal place. What happens when you round these numbers to the nearest whole number?
Can you replace the letters with numbers? Is there only one solution in each case?
A Square of Numbers
Can you put the numbers 1 to 8 into the circles so that the four calculations are correct?
Cubes Here and There
How many shapes can you build from three red and two green cubes? Can you use what you've found out to predict the number for four red and two green?
First Connect Three
Add or subtract the two numbers on the spinners and try to complete a row of three. Are there some numbers that are good to aim for?
Finding Fifteen
Tim had nine cards each with a different number from 1 to 9 on it. How could he have put them into three piles so that the total in each pile was 15?
Four bags contain a large number of 1s, 3s, 5s and 7s. Can you pick any ten numbers from the bags so that their total is 37?
Through the Window
My local DIY shop calculates the price of its windows according to the area of glass and the length of frame used. Can you work out how they arrived at these prices?
All the Digits
This multiplication uses each of the digits 0 - 9 once and once only. Using the information given, can you replace the stars in the calculation with figures?
Choose four different digits from 1-9 and put one in each box so that the resulting four two-digit numbers add to a total of 100.
Light the Lights Again
Each light in this interactivity turns on according to a rule. What happens when you enter different numbers? Can you find the smallest number that lights up all four lights?
This Pied Piper of Hamelin
Investigate the different numbers of people and rats there could have been if you know how many legs there are altogether!
Two Primes Make One Square
Can you make square numbers by adding two prime numbers together?
Sealed Solution
Ten cards are put into five envelopes so that there are two cards in each envelope. The sum of the numbers inside it is written on each envelope. What numbers could be inside the envelopes?
Prison Cells
There are 78 prisoners in a square cell block of twelve cells. The clever prison warder arranged them so there were 25 along each wall of the prison block. How did he do it?
Display Boards
Design an arrangement of display boards in the school hall which fits the requirements of different people.
Button-up Some More Live
How many ways can you find to do up all four buttons on my coat? How about if I had five buttons? Six ...?
The Dice Train
This dice train has been made using specific rules. How many different trains can you make?
Curious Number
Can you order the digits from 1-3 to make a number which is divisible by 3 so when the last digit is removed it becomes a 2-figure number divisible by 2, and so on?
Counting Cards
A magician took a suit of thirteen cards and held them in his hand face down. Every card he revealed had the same value as the one he had just finished spelling. How did this work?
Cover the Tray
These practical challenges are all about making a 'tray' and covering it with paper.
5 on the Clock
On a digital clock showing 24 hour time, over a whole day, how many times does a 5 appear? Is it the same number for a 12 hour clock over a whole day?
Ribbon Squares
What is the largest 'ribbon square' you can make? And the smallest? How many different squares can you make altogether?
The Remainders Game
Play this game and see if you can figure out the computer's chosen number.
Factor Lines
Arrange the four number cards on the grid, according to the rules, to make a diagonal, vertical or horizontal line.
Place the 16 different combinations of cup/saucer in this 4 by 4 arrangement so that no row or column contains more than one cup or saucer of the same colour.
This cube has ink on each face which leaves marks on paper as it is rolled. Can you work out what is on each face and the route it has taken?
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Finding all Possibilities Math Solving Problems
Welcome to the Math Salamanders Finding all Possibilities Solving Problems worksheets. All the problems on this page have more than one possible answer. The aim is to get the develop systematic skills to find all the possible solutions to the problems posed.
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Finding all Possibilities
Math problems.
Solving problems should be at the heart of mathematical teaching and learning.
When we set kids problems to solve, we are giving them a reason for learning and practicing all the skills and learning all the facts in lessons.
The problems on this page all involving Finding All Possibilities.
This means that every problem set will have many different answers.
Most problems we set for kids will only have a single correct answer. The problems on this page have lots of different solutions which need to be found. It encourages children to persevere and try different approaches if one approach does not work.
Many of the problems are easily extendable by simply changing one of the variables.
The aim of the problems is to get kids thinking logically and working systematically to find all the possible answers.
The level of the worksheets goes from 1st grade to 5th grade (UK Years 1 to 6).
Using these sheets will help your child to:
- apply their math skills to solve problems;
- develop a systematic approach;
- persevere and try to find as many answers as possible.
Finding All Possibilities
1st grade problems.
- 1-2-3 Math Puzzle
- PDF version
- A-mazing puzzle 1
- Find the 2 Digits 1
- Collecting Snails 1
- Frogs in a Bucket 1
- How Much Treasure 1
- Stepping Stone Puzzle
2nd Grade Math Problems
- 3-Card Trick
- A-mazing Puzzle 2
- Find the 2 Digits 2
- Collecting Snails 2
- Frogs in a Bucket 2
- How Much Treasure 2
3rd Grade Math Problems
- 4-Card Trick
- A-mazing Puzzle 3
- Find the 2 Digits 3
- Find the 3 digits 1
- Collecting Snails 3
- Frogs in a Bucket 3
- How Much Treasure 3
4th Grade Math Problems
- Find the 4 Digits 1
- Collecting Snails 4
- Frogs in a Bucket 4
- How Much Treasure 4
- 5th Grade Math Problems
- Collecting Snails 5
- Frogs in a Bucket 5
- How Much Treasure 5
More Recommended Math Worksheets
Take a look at some more of our worksheets similar to these.
Math Word Problems by Grade
We have a variety of different problem solving worksheets, including 'real-life' problems.
The sheets go from 1st through 5th grade.
- Math Problems for Children 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade Math Word Problems
- Math Word Problems for kids 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade Math Word Problems
Fraction Problems
Here you will find a range of fraction word problems to help your child apply their fraction learning.
The worksheets cover a range of fraction objectives, from adding and subtracting fractions to working out fractions of numbers. The sheets support fraction learning from 2nd grade to 5th grade.
- Fraction Riddles for kids (easier)
- Free Printable Fraction Riddles (harder)
Ratio Problems
Here you will find a range of ratio word problems to help your child understand what a ratio is and how ratios work.
The sheets support ratio learning at a 5th grade level.
- Math Logic Problems
This is our logic problems area where all the worksheets involve using reasoning and logical thinking skills.
The sheets here are designed to get children thinking logically and puzzling the problems out.
There are a range of different logic problems from 1st through 5th grade!
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Problem solving
Resources to teach problem solving skills
This collection of teaching resources aims to help children develop maths problem solving skills. It features word problems, maths challenges, problem-solving questions and a variety of worksheets and problem solving activities to help your primary school learners develop the problem solving strategies for real life contexts.
Why teach problem solving skills?
Problem solving is a skill that involves a variety of mathematical skills that will help children in real life. From addition and subtraction to fractions, decimals and percentages, we need problem-solving strategies to solve day-to-day problems involving time, money and measurement. Problem solving is an integral strand of the KS2 maths curriculum and children will be tested on their problem-solving skills in their SATs and onwards.
Have you seen our teaching packs for problem solving in maths?
If you’re teaching upper key stage 2, you may like our problem-solving teaching packs: Problem solving - number and Problem solving – measurement, geometry and statistics . Both packs comprise scaffolded word problems and differentiated activities based upon the relevant problem-solving objectives in the national curriculum. Or you may prefer Challenging maths , packed with maths mastery style questions, word problems and games to enrich your maths lessons and turn your year 5/6 class into true problem solvers!
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Maths problem solving questions – KS2 lesson plan
Zipped file containing 3 PDFs
The need to prepare children for their times tables test often means that we overlook building their reasoning and problem-solving skills. This is to allow time to develop number fluency and recall.
However, NRICH’s curriculum-linked activities enable your learners to become more fluent alongside developing their reasoning and problem-solving skills.
In this maths problem solving questions lesson you’ll work through NRICH’s Shape Times Shape worksheet to practise and develop some of these underused skills.
Maths problem solving questions KS2 learning objectives
- Times tables facts
- Reasoning skills
- How to think about finding a way to a solution
- The idea of a symbol (in this case a shape) representing a number
Make sure all the children can see the Shape Times Shape worksheet. You could display it on the board or give out copies of the printable sheet.
Try to say very little as you introduce the task. Just review what the problem itself states, then give learners a few minutes to think on their own.
NRICH is a maths outreach project, which is a collaboration between the Faculties of Education and Mathematics, based at the University of Cambridge. NRICH resources are free for teachers to use with their classes.
Similar resources
- Migration KS2 – Use news reports to explore vocab and stats
- Negative numbers worksheet – Teaching negative numbers in KS2
- Fractions of amounts worksheet – For KS2, including bar models
- Equivalent fractions worksheet – Practice and problems for KS2
- Tarsia puzzle – Equivalent fractions for KS2 maths
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KS2 Resources & Worksheets > KS2 Mathematics Resources & Worksheets >
Problem Solving Resources and Worksheets
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Compare Calculations Teaching PowerPoint
These lesson slides guide pupils through the prior learning of completing multi-step addition and subtraction problems, before moving on to the main skill of comparing calculations without focusing on their answers.
Find Missing Numbers Teaching PowerPoint
These lesson slides guide pupils through the prior learning of using the inverse operation, before moving on to the main skill of finding missing numbers.
Number Line to 1,000,000 – Teaching PowerPoint
These lesson slides guide pupils through the prior learning of partitioning numbers to 1,000,000, before moving on to the main skill of using number lines to 1,000,000.
Number Line to 1,000,000 – Varied Fluency
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency questions for pupils to practise the main skill of using number lines to 1,000,000.
Number Line to 1,000,000 – Reasoning and Problem Solving
This worksheet includes a range of reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of using number lines to 1,000,000.
Number Line to 1,000,000 – Extension
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency and reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of using number lines to 1,000,000.
Number Line to 1,000,000 – Discussion Problems
This worksheet includes a discussion problem that can be used in pairs or in small groups to enable pupils to further their understanding of the concepts linked to using number lines to 1,000,000.
Mental Strategies- Discussion Problems
This worksheet includes a discussion problem that can be used in pairs or in small groups to enable pupils to further their understanding of the concepts linked to mentally calculating sums and differences.
Mental Strategies – Reasoning and Problem Solving
This worksheet includes a range of reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of mentally calculating sums and differences.
Mental Strategies – Extension
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency and reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to further extend and practise the main skill of mentally calculating sums and differences.
Mental Strategies – Varied Fluency
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency questions for pupils to practise the main skill of mentally calculating sums and differences.
Mental Strategies Teaching Powerpoint
These lesson slides guide pupils through the prior learning of partitioning numbers to one million before moving on to the main skill of mentally calculating sums and differences.
10/100/1,000/100,000 More or Less Teaching Powerpoint
These lesson slides guide pupils through the prior learning of comparing and ordering numbers to 100,000 before moving on to the main skill of finding 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 more or less than a given number.
10/100/1,000/100,000 More or Less – Reasoning and Problem Solving
This worksheet includes a range of reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of finding 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 more or less than a given number.
10/100/1,000/100,000 More or Less – Extension
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency and reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of finding 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 more or less than a given number.
10/100/1,000/100,000 More or Less – Discussion Problems
This worksheet includes a discussion problem that can be used in pairs or in small groups to enable pupils to further their understanding of the concepts linked to finding 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 more or less than a given number.
10/100/1,000/100,000 More or Less – Varied Fluency
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency questions for pupils to practise the main skill of finding 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 more or less than a given number.
Partition Numbers to 1,000,000 Teaching Powerpoint
These lesson slides guide pupils through the prior learning of finding 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 more or less before moving on to the main skill of partitioning numbers up to one million. There are a number of questions to check pupils' understanding throughout.
Partition Numbers to 1,000,000 – Extension
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency and reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to further extend and practise the main skill of partitioning numbers up to one million.
Partition Numbers to 1,000,000 – Discussion Problems
This worksheet includes a discussion problem that can be used in pairs or in small groups to enable pupils to further their understanding of the concepts linked to partitioning numbers up to one million.
Partition Numbers to 1,000,000 – Reasoning and Problem Solving
This worksheet includes a range of reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of partitioning numbers up to one million.
Partition Numbers to 1,000,000 – Varied Fluency
This worksheet includes varied fluency, reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to practise the main skill of partitioning numbers to 1,000,000.
Find Missing Numbers – Varied Fluency
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency questions for pupils to practise the main skill of finding missing numbers.
Find Missing Numbers – Extension
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency and reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to further extend and practise the main skill of finding missing numbers.
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KS2 Area and Perimeter Worksheet including problem solving & money
Subject: Mathematics
Age range: 7-11
Resource type: Worksheet/Activity
Last updated
29 January 2018
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Really good level- made them think!
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Tackle challenging questions using a variety of mathematical skills with our range of problem-solving maths resources, designed for KS2 students. Problem-solving in KS2 is a key skill that will form the foundation of future learning. That's why we've designed some brilliant PowerPoints, worksheets, games, and lots of maths mastery resources to ...
KS2 Maths Problem solving learning resources for adults, children, parents and teachers.
Developing Excellence in Problem Solving with Young Learners. Age 5 to 11. Becoming confident and competent as a problem solver is a complex process that requires a range of skills and experience. In this article, Jennie suggests that we can support this process in three principal ways. Using NRICH Tasks to Develop Key Problem-solving Skills.
Age range: 11-14. Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. File previews. pdf, 424.8 KB. pdf, 353.5 KB. Maths problem solving booklets covering a wide range of mathematical problems designed to improve problem solving strategies as well as numeracy and mathematical ability. Designed to be printed as A5 booklets.
These KS2 worksheets include answer sheets and teaching tips where needed, they are also printable and downloadable with many of them available for free. ... of addition and subtraction worksheets cover all KS2 year groups and cover a wide range of skills such as word problem solving, missing number patterns, mental maths, addition of 2, 3, 4 ...
KS2 Maths (Problem Solving) These topic-focused SATs questions at the end of a unit will help to test and extend students' understanding as well as helping them to prepare for SATs next year. These questions have fully-worked solutions which can be displayed on a whiteboard making feedback with students more efficient.
Challenge your children using our KS2 maths word problems resources. Here you can find a wide array of maths word problems from division to fractions and more. All are designed to help your Key Stage 2 pupils develop their problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way! Choose from differentiated worksheets, challenge cards, fun activities ...
Problem-solving key stage 2 primary resources for children. We have tons of maths problem-solving activities for kids, and resources available to help your key stage 2 students practice their problem-solving skills. There are lots of themed resources too. This includes things like sports-themed investigate puzzles, or code cracking problems.
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: Many models have followed the Polya model and use acronyms to make the stages ...
In this carefully curated KS2 maths challenges area, you will find fun worksheets, word problems, riddles and so much more. Whether you just want to develop children's knowledge further or you wish to prepare them for taking part in a competition such as the Intermediate Maths Challenge , find the resource that best suits your teaching needs.
Here is our selection of different Math problem worksheets. Included in this page are a range of math problem pages from 1st grade to 5th grade. There are also fraction problems, ratio problems as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. Many of the problem sheets use 'real life' data, so your child can learn some ...
pptx, 2.35 MB. pdf, 3.51 MB. These booklets each contain over 40 reasoning and problem solving questions suitable for KS1, KS2 and KS3 classes. These are the questions that we have been putting out each day in March 2016 on Twitter in the run up to SATS. The answers are provided with some simple notes at the back of the booklet and for some ...
This page has been superseded by our Working Systematically - Primary Teachers page. Scroll down to see our complete collection of KS2 problems that require children to work systematically, or explore the two sub-collections focusing on important aspects of systematic working. This collection is one of our Primary Curriculum collections - tasks ...
Many of the problems are easily extendable by simply changing one of the variables. The aim of the problems is to get kids thinking logically and working systematically to find all the possible answers. The level of the worksheets goes from 1st grade to 5th grade (UK Years 1 to 6). Using these sheets will help your child to: persevere and try ...
Problem solving is a skill that involves a variety of mathematical skills that will help children in real life. From addition and subtraction to fractions, decimals and percentages, we need problem-solving strategies to solve day-to-day problems involving time, money and measurement. Problem solving is an integral strand of the KS2 maths ...
Primary Maths. Negative numbers worksheet - Teaching negative numbers in KS2. Fractions of amounts worksheet - For KS2, including bar models. Equivalent fractions worksheet - Practice and problems for KS2. Tarsia puzzle - Equivalent fractions for KS2 maths. Place value worksheets - Free maths PDFs for KS1 and KS2. The NRICH maths team ...
Additional Algebra Resources. Our algebra worksheets PDFs and activities will help you teach your KS2 students in an engaging manner. Typically introduced in Year 6, algebra can be a tricky topic, involving new vocabulary and new mathematical concepts. Our fantastic collection of algebra PDF worksheets contains everything your Year 6 class need ...
any of the problem solving questions in this booklet can be solved using a bar modelling method. Encourage children to use diagrams to help them solve the problem. Here is a problem where bar modelling would help. If you want to find out more about bar modelling please contact the Hub.
Practice is crucial to maths success, and our questions are designed to support your daily routines. These problems can be used across Y1 and Y2 throughout the year. Download. Our maths problems of the day provide four problems across KS1, KS2 and Lower KS3 for pupils to solve. View our Maths resources from White Rose Maths.
This worksheet includes a range of varied fluency and reasoning and problem solving questions for pupils to further extend and practise the main skill of finding missing numbers. Our KS2 Problem Solving Maths Resources & Worksheets. Created by teachers for teachers. Join Over 100,000 members with over 8,000 resources.
KS2 area and perimeter worksheet - the first part requires children to calculate the area/perimeter of different fields. The second part of the task focuses on problem solving, requiring children to calculate costs for total perimeter fence needed, how many sheep can fit into the fields and the total cost of the sheep.
Primary Resources - free worksheets, lesson plans and teaching ideas for primary and elementary teachers. Advertisement. Hosted by: Our Other Site: MATHS: Solving Problems: ... Solving Problems (Y5 T3 Unit 6b) (Joanne Robson) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 ; Pizza Problems (4 levels) (Vicki Foy) DOC;