This problem gives children a chance to apply knowledge of number operations and gain confidence in using a trial and improvement approach.

What could you try first?

How will you record what you do?

Does that fit all the information?

Children could make up their own version of this problem for a friend to solve.

Using differently coloured counters to represent boys and girls might help some children access this problem - it will allow them to refine their answer try without being afraid of writing down something that turns out to be wrong.