This is the third article in my ‘Milking maths’ series that aims to encourage children to develop an eye for numbers and shapes and all that they have to offer. When using and applying maths in the context of an investigation or puzzle, there are always maths moments there for the taking that extend beyond the actual problem that needs solving – in essence, opportunities to ‘milk’ the maths. It is also something that children can practise so that they see maths within maths – exploring properties and characteristics of numbers and shapes. They can begin to ‘see’ a sum and think around it, inside it and underneath it. This month, the focus is problem solving. The activities show children how to break sums down and give them the opportunities to talk about and discuss their reasons and conclusions.

Activities

1. Getting started
2. Magic 12
3. Digit swaps
4. New shapes
5. Peri-surprise