Teddy Town

The original version of this problem uses only a 4x4 grid, but reducing the size makes this investigation accessible to younger children too. The learning objectives covered are numerous and cover the entire KS1/KS2 age range:

Sorting, classifying and organising

Choosing and using appropriate strategies

Explaining methods of reasoning Understanding and using vocabulary related to position

Recognising, explaining, generalising and predicting patterns

No matter how old the children, it would be advisable to have objects to represent the teddies and houses as an introduction to the activity. These could be, for example, coloured counters and coloured squares if the real thing weren't to hand. Coloured magnets would be ideal for use on a white board as a demonstration. If you prefer, click on the following links to download word documents of the different coloured houses which you could print, laminate and cut out: yellow, red, blue, green, orange, purple.

It would be worth clarifying the very first instruction. Work out the four different combinations together with the children, using teddies and houses of two different colours.

Throughout all of this investigation, encourage the children to explain their thinking orally. This may be to each other, or to the class as a whole. Either way, it is vital in allowing them to clarify their own ideas, reflect critically on their work and so move themselves forward.

How can we make sure they are all different?

Is there a way to go about making the combinations so we don't leave any out?

Talk about being methodical and systematic i.e. planning and checking

Try Tea Cups.