Addition & Subtraction

The "Get the Buzz! Problem Solving for Key Stage 2" book by Liz Hopkins is a comprehensive resource that encourages children to apply their addition and subtraction skills to a variety of puzzles and problems. For instance, in the 'Square of Plates' challenge, students are tasked with arranging 8 paper plates in a square formation and distributing 40 counters across them so that each line of 3 plates adds up to 16 counters, ensuring each plate has a unique number of counters. This activity not only tests their arithmetic but also their ability to think logically and strategically.

Another engaging activity, 'Stepping Stones', pushes students to explore number patterns and relationships further. It involves jumping on four adjoining stepping stones, calculating the total number values, and finding the highest and lowest possible totals. Students are also challenged to reach a specific total of 107 and come up with six different totals, requiring them to move sideways, up, or down, but not diagonally. These exercises are designed to deepen students' understanding of numerical operations and enhance their problem-solving abilities.