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Mathematical mindsets - primary students

Successful mathematicians understand and use mathematical ideas and methods, solve problems, explain and justify their thinking, and have a positive attitude towards learning mathematics. 

Being curious, resourceful, resilient and collaborative are all valuable mathematical mindsets. We hope that the activities below will give you opportunities to develop these desirable characteristics.

For problems arranged by mathematical topics, see our Topics in Primary Mathematics page

For problems arranged by mathematical thinking skills, see our Thinking Mathematically page

 

squirrel peering into a pot

Being curious - Primary students

Age: 5 to 11

Are you a curious mathematician? Would you like to get better at asking mathematical questions? If so, these upper primary tasks are for you!

Being Collaborative - Lower Primary Students

Being collaborative - Primary students

Age: 5 to 11

These problems are ideal for you to work on with friends - two heads can be better than one!

Sculpture by Rodin of man thinking, arm resting on knee and chin resting on hand

Being resourceful - Primary students

Age: 5 to 11

Give yourself lots of time to work on these problems. They are designed to help you become more resourceful.

Being Resilient - Lower Primary Students

Being resilient - Primary students

Age: 5 to 11

These problems will need you to be resilient but remember you'll get a greater sense of achievement if you've had to struggle.