Super Shapes

This problem provides an opportunity for pupils to practise using addition and subtraction, and it reinforces their inverse relationship. The problem gives learners chances to explain their working and it also helps them become familiar with the idea of a symbol (in this case a shape) representing a number.

This problem would make a good starter. You could print off this sheet of the problem for children to work from and make sure that paper and/or mini-whiteboards are available for them to jot down any workings.

It would be important to talk about the methods that learners have used in each case and so invite a few children to share their way of working. The method is likely to differ depending on which problem is being solved and you can use this as an opportunity for the group to reflect on why particular approaches were chosen in each case. Emphasise that the method used is entirely up to the individual, but you may discuss which could be the most efficient.

How did you work this out?

Shape Times Shape involves multiplication rather than addition and requires much more sophisticated reasoning.

You could provide calculators if you want children to focus on the method rather than the arithmetic.