Addition & Subtraction

The "Get the Buzz! Problem Solving for Key Stage 2" book by Liz Hopkins offers a series of engaging mathematical challenges designed to improve the problem-solving skills of young learners. One activity, 'Spending Money', invites students to consider Alfie, who goes shopping with £1 and spends various amounts. Pupils calculate how much change he receives after spending 72p and then 45p. They are further encouraged to experiment with spending different two-digit amounts where the digits add up to 9, observing patterns in the change received. The task prompts children to think about what happens when the digits sum to different totals, helping them to develop their understanding of money, addition, and subtraction.

Another activity, 'Four Cards', challenges students to select three out of four given cards to create a two-digit number and a single-digit number, which they then add together. This exercise allows learners to explore various combinations and the different totals they produce, as well as to consider why some totals may be repeated. The task also asks them to determine the highest possible total and to reflect on their methods for keeping track of their calculations. These activities provide a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging Key Stage 2 students to engage with mathematical concepts in a fun and interactive way.