Problem-solving Maths Investigations for Year 3
Hamilton provide an extensive suite of problem-solving maths investigations for Year 3 to facilitate mathematical confidence, investigative inquiry and the development of maths meta skills in 'low floor – high ceiling' activities for all.
Explore all our in-depth problem solving investigations for Year 3 .
Use problem-solving investigations within every unit to encourage children to develop and exercise their ability to reason mathematically and think creatively.
Investigations provide challenges that offer opportunities for the development of the key mathematical skills while deepening conceptual understanding. They are designed to be accessible in different ways to all children. An added bonus is the substantial amount of extra calculation practice they often incorporate! The problems are designed to help children identify patterns, to explore lines of thinking and to reason and communicate about properties of numbers, shapes and measures.
Hamilton provide a mix of our own specially commissioned investigations, that include guidance for teachers together with a child-friendly sheet to guide your pupils through the investigation, as well as links to investigations on other highly regarded websites.
I am very grateful for Hamilton Trust resources, particularly the maths investigations. Julia, teacher in Wiltshire
You can find Hamilton's investigations for Year 3:
- Individually, they are incorporated into every unit in our Year 3 flexible maths blocks .
- Collectively, they appear on our resources page where you can explore all our in-depth problem solving investigations for Year 3 .
Do read our extensive range of advice for more information about the investigations and for tips on how to use them effectively.
Hamilton’s problem-solving investigations are 'low floor, high ceiling' activities that give all children opportunities to develop mastery and mathematical meta-skills. Explore a set for a whole year group.
Hamilton’s Problem-solving Investigations provide school-wide solutions to the challenges of building investigative skills from Early Years to Year 6.
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Find resources / Articles / Problem solving for 3 to 5-year-olds
Supporting and keeping 3 to 5-year-olds safe as they develop their problem-solving skills.
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What changes after age 3, parents feel frightened too, anō anō — again again, what else can whānau do to help tamariki learn to solve problems.
Problem solving is discussed in quite a few other age and stage sections. The following play activities from the 25–36 months section give ideas for strengthening problem-solving skills, and why they are important to develop in young children:
- Problem solving
- Stepping stones
The recommended reading called Problem solving in the younger age section (19–24 months) is relevant too, as it describes what problem solving looks like for a toddler.
The main problem-solving strategy used by tamariki until around age 3 is trial and error.
A 3-year-old will often use their memory of seeing others solve similar problems. Tamariki will remember what other people did when a problem came up, and they’ll try that themselves.
Tamariki are increasingly keen on doing things themselves, and will sometimes resist help. ‘I can do it myself!’ is commonly heard from tamariki during this stage. The level of risk involved in the activity may not be a concern for them — rather, just doing it is their main concern.
Whānau need to think about ways to give their tamaiti challenges and new learning while keeping them safe from harm. Tamariki want to copy adults and be more independent, which is great as it builds their confidence and skills. However, their ability to move fast, switch machinery on, and access heights or electrical equipment can put them in danger. It’s a good time to check safety around the house and garden, especially in garages and sheds, and their access to climbable fences or unsecured gates.
Preschoolers are also learning about managing their strong feelings. Solving problems can be a challenge, and when they’re unsuccessful it can lead to them expressing feelings of deep frustration.
Tamariki who have temperament traits of persistence, high activity and the ability to take on new situations with ease can find themselves in dangerous situations if there’s insufficient supervision. Whānau need to be close enough to intervene straight away if tamariki lose control of their emotions or their actions.
Confidence is another skill that helps when a child is problem solving. It can also be concerning when their confidence is much greater than their ability to solve a challenge, and they find themselves in strife.
Sometimes whānau themselves get scared or upset by the actions of their clever problem-solver. For example, an active 4-year-old has just climbed to the top of the neighbour’s tree and is now stuck! Concern for their child’s safety can see whānau lashing out in response, as their anxiety generates feelings of anger.
Developing their personal technique for remaining calm and cool is wise. Deep breathing and using a quiet, firm voice can be a good starting place.
After an upsetting event has been sorted out is often a good time for a snack break. Washing hands, sitting down and having something to eat and drink can help calm the situation. Then whānau can talk with their tamariki and ask:
- What were you trying to do?
- What else could you have done instead?
- What other resources from round the house could have helped?
- What might you do next time something like this happens?
Regular practice playing with similar-aged tamariki encourages progress with the skills of waiting, turn-taking, sharing, negotiating and learning how to solve shared problems together.
Whānau can:
- model the process of problem solving in daily life
- give their preschoolers hands-on experiences of exploring and experimenting with different materials
- let them enjoy creating different solutions by finding new ways to use familiar items.
And because preschoolers enjoy figuring out solutions for themselves, whānau need to let tamariki try to do this before offering or stepping in to help.
See Whakatipu booklets Te Māhuri 1 and Te Māhuri 2 (pages 10–17) for ideas and information about everyday problems tamariki are likely to meet when playing around the house and in their community.
Scholastic: Preschool problem-solving
Investigation and discovery 3–5 years.
Peep and the Big Wide World
Play and imagination 3–5 years
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Year 3 tasks
To solve maths problems at year 3 it is very important for your child to be able to instantly recall addition and subtraction facts up to 20.
e-ako maths provides free online basic fact learning tools which will help your child learn their basic facts, as well as a collection of games to improve their speed and accuracy. If you think this would benefit your child, click to read how to access this resource (show instructions).
- To access e-ako maths, your child will need an account. You can make a new account for free, but check first whether they already have one that they use at school. If they do, they can use the same username and password to use e-ako maths at home.
- You can log in to e-ako maths or register a new account from the e-ako maths home page . If you are registering a new account to use at home you will need to click the "No join code? Click here." button and then "I am learning at home".
- The two large green boxes at the top are 'Learning tools' which will test the basic facts your child knows, and then help them learn the ones they don't already know.
- The blue buttons below are a collection of games designed to practise basic facts to improve speed and accuracy.
- In Year 3 your child should mostly be concentrating on learning and practising their addition and subtraction facts, the buttons on the left.
Click to read about the purpose of the tasks below (show purpose).
The tasks in this section are intended:
- for students in year 3
- to complement similar class tasks
- to be a selection only of enjoyable learning opportunities for your child (and for you)
- to generate useful explanations and discussions between you and your child.
The tasks in this section are NOT:
- intended to be comprehensive in their coverage of all maths at year 3
- intended to be ‘one off’ tasks. Feel free to review or modify these to suit the needs of your child.
These Year 3 tasks recognise that students:
- are mostly working at early level 2 of the NZ Curriculum, growing in their understanding of number, algebra, geometry, measurement and statistics
- are all different, and some find parts of maths easier or harder than others
- are learning to solve problems in different ways
- are learning that it’s okay to make a mistake and to have another go
- respond well to supportive questions from adults, such as, ‘What is the question asking you to do?’, or ‘What do you already know that might help you (solve the problem)?’
- enjoy exploring open tasks for which there can be a range of appropriate approaches and solutions (accordingly, set answers are not included for a number of these tasks).
We suggest that you ask your child what kinds of things they have been doing in maths at school, and select a task from this menu.
Click for versions with Māori content .
Measurement
17 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids
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As a child, I would spend hours putting together puzzles… whether it was 3-D puzzles or figuring out a crossword. I also loved it when teachers would give the class an open-ended question and we had to work in groups to figure out the answer in our own way.
Even something as simple as playing checkers with my brothers gave me the chance to use strategy as a way to win the game. I honestly believe that it’s so important for kids to solve problems at a young age, as it helps them think critically and outside the box.
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So, Why Is It Important To Teach Kids Problem Solving?
I think these kinds of activities are so important for kids to do because it helps them learn how to think analytically and solve problems on their own. It's a great way to get kids to use their imaginations and be creative.
Rote memorization simply does not have the same effect. This type of learning is great for learning facts like historical dates, but it’s not going to help kids figure out how events in history happened and the results.
We take these problem-solving skills into college, the workforce, and travel . My ability to problem solve since childhood has certainly got me through many sticky situations while in a new city or country.
Additionally, problem-solving helps children learn how to find creative solutions to challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom . These activities can also be fun and used in cohesion with school or playtime.
17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
1. marble mazes.
This activity was selected because it requires them to think spatially. Spatial learning will benefit kids when they start driving, riding a bike, playing sports,etc.
To do this activity in its simplest form, you will need a piece of paper, a pencil, and some marbles. First, draw a maze on a piece of paper using a pencil.
Make sure to create a start and finish point. Then, place the marbles at the start of the maze. The goal is to get the marbles from the start to the finish by tilting the paper and using gravity to guide the marbles through the maze.
Another example of a marble maze can involve using toilet paper rolls taped together to create a three-dimensional maze. The larger the maze, the harder you can make it.
Check Price on Amazon!
If you are not into the DIY method, you can always buy a toy maze on Amazon. A good 48 piece puzzle is the Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor puzzle.
2. The Tower Challenge
Building a tower gives kids the chance to think about gravity, structure, and balance.
To do this activity, you will need some building materials like legos, blocks, or even toilet paper rolls. The challenge is to see how high they can stack the materials without the tower toppling over.
This can be done individually or in teams. An activity like this is good for younger kids and is the building block to learning about harder topics like engineering.
3. The Egg Drop Challenge
The egg drop challenge helps kids learn how to engineer a solution that prevents something from breaking. It requires them to think critically about which materials will best protect something fragile like an egg when dropped from a height.
To do this activity, you will need some eggs and various materials such as straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, etc. The goal is to construct a device that will protect an egg from breaking upon impact.
This can be done individually or in teams . Teams can even have a competition for the best egg drop device.
As children begin handling, shopping for, and cooking their own food, activities like this will help them understand how to handle breakable items like bottles, eggs, delicate fruit,.etc. Ideally, this is best for age groups 8 and up.
4. The Penny Drop Challenge
This activity was selected because it requires kids to think about physics and how different materials affect sound.
To do this activity, you will need a penny ( or another coin), a cup, and various materials such as paper towels, cotton balls, etc.
The goal is to drop the penny into the cup without making any noise. Begin by placing different materials into the cup and then drop the penny into it. The children should also drop the penny from different heights into the same material to see if/how the impact from a higher drop affects sound.
Group kids into teams or let them try it on their own.
Kids should make note of what type of sounds are made when the penny hits different materials. This is a great activity for kids who are interested in science and physics.
5. The Balloon Race Challenge
This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about aerodynamics and Bernoulli’s principle . It also requires them to think creatively about how to design a balloon-powered vehicle.
To do this activity, you will need balloons, straws, masking tape, and markers. The goal is to design a balloon-powered vehicle that can travel a distance of at least 10 feet. Kids can begin this activity by sketching out their designs on paper.
After they have a basic design, they can begin building their vehicle from various materials. Then kids can explain why they think the balloon traveled or did not travel as far as it did.
6. The Marshmallow Challenge
Marshmallows are not only delicious, but they are also soft and malleable. So kids can have fun using it for some construction projects.
This activity was selected because it requires kids to think creatively about how to build a structure using limited materials. It also helps them learn about engineering and work as a team.
To do this activity, you will need marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. The goal is to build the tallest free-standing structure possible using only marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. If you don't have spaghetti noodles, use something similar like pretzel sticks.
You may even want to establish certain rules like each team can only use a certain number of marshmallows or noodles. A time limit can also make it more fun and challenging.
For more fun activities, check out our post on problem solving exercises for team building .
7. The Balloon Pop Challenge
If you remember your childhood, you probably remember popping balloons for fun at times. But this activity is different because it requires kids to use strategy and critical thinking.
This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about patterns and problem-solving. It is also a lot of fun for kids who like popping balloons. The goal is to create a device that will allow them to pop a balloon without using their hands.
To do this activity, you will need balloons and various materials such as straws, string, paper clips, etc.
8. Picture Pieces Puzzle Game
As mentioned earlier, puzzles are a great pastime – especially in childhood. Kids must think critically about how to put the pieces together to create a certain picture. It also helps them learn about shapes, colors, and other concepts.
You can take a medium to large picture and cut it into pieces. If you have younger kids, you may want to make the pieces larger. However, if you have kids closer to the 8-11 age range, you should be able to provide a challenge and make the pieces smaller.
9. Copy the Block Model
For this challenge, you can build a model out of blocks for the kids to copy. Put kids into groups and make sure each group has the same number of blocks you used for your model.
Make your model block as simple or complex as needed for your child's age group.
Set a time limit and make sure each group starts at the same time.
10. Team Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is great for kids because they have to search for items and use investigative skills. It is also a lot of fun and can be done both indoors and outdoors .
To do this activity, you will need to create a list of items for the kids to find. The items can be anything from common household items to things you would find outside.
These types of activities can also revolve around a theme like a holiday, movie, or book. For example, if the kids are fans of “Harry Potter” you can make a list of items to find that are related to the movie.
11. Obstacle Course
This activity requires kids to think creatively about how to get from one point to another while maneuvering around obstacles. If you have outdoor space, this can be done with common objects such as hula hoops, cones, etc.
If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can use common household items to create an indoor obstacle course. For example, you can use chairs, blankets, pillows, etc.
Begin by setting up the course and then timing each child as they complete it. You can also have them race against each other to make it more fun.
Obstacle courses are also great because kids get to be physically active while they are thinking critically.
12. Reading Storybooks
There are many great benefits for kids that read storybooks. One of the excellent benefits is the ability to problem-solve. When they read the stories in the books, they see scenarios that cause them to be attached to the various characters they read about.
So, when they encounter a real-life problem, it is often productive to ask a child how their favorite character would solve that problem. Your kids can also be encouraged to come up with various options and possible outcomes for some of the situations they may encounter.
This not only helps kids solve various problems but become more independent as well.
13. Ask Them Open-Ended Questions
A good way to improve a child's ability to think critically and creatively and improve their ability to solve problems is by asking open-ended questions. It also helps them to develop healthy personalities .
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. In addition, the solution requires more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Furthermore, it allows kids to put some extra thought into their responses.
Here are some examples of open-ended questions you may want to ask.
- What did this experience teach you?
- Was this easy? What was easy about it?
- What this difficult? What is complicated about it?
- What may happen next in this situation?
- How did you come to this solution?
- What, if anything, would you do differently next time?
- What can we do to make things more fun next time?
14. Build Various Structures with Toys
Whether wooden blocks, LEGO blocks, or engineering blocks… giving your kid blocks to build whatever their minds can dream up is fun. In addition, it requires them to think about how they will make a structure, put the pieces together, and creatively ensure the building's function and design.
You may also want to challenge them to build something more complicated and watch them use their brain power to make it happen.
15. Acting Out Skits
Impromptu activities like acting out skits help kids identify problems, develop solutions, and execute them. This process works with multiple kids being divided into teams.
First, you will want to write down different situations, such as resolving a disagreement between siblings or dealing with bullying on the playground on a piece of paper. Second, you will fold the paper and place it in a hat or bowl.
Third, each team will pick a scenario out of the hat. Finally, you can give the kids a few minutes to discuss their solution and act out.
16. Solving Moral Dilemmas
In this simple game, you will help your kids solve simple dilemmas they may find themselves in. You could write down a situation your child may find themselves in and help them learn the moral way to solve the problem.
For instance, “The cashier gave them an additional $5 change back on my purchase. What should they do?” Another scenario could be, “I saw my friend cheating on a test. Should I tell on them or let it go?” A third one could be, “I caught my friends stealing some gum from the store. What should I do?”
After writing down the dilemmas and placing them in a bowl, get each child to select one and read it aloud. Finally, you will help them devise morally correct solutions to the moral dilemma.
17. Animal Pairing Game
This is a fun and creative game to help your kids with focus, critical thinking, and team building skills . In addition, this activity requires an even number of players to participate (4, 6, 8, etc.)
Before starting the game, you will want to write the names of different animals twice, each on a separate slip of paper. Then pass out the slips of paper to each individual or team member, instructing them not to share with anyone the name of the animal they received.
Then the children will perform activities the animals might do without talking or making sounds. Some of these activities might include:
- The way the animal cleans or grooms itself
- The way the animal sleeps
- The way the animal fights
- The way the animal eats or drinks
- The way the animal walks or runs
The goal is for each child to successfully pair up with the other child who has selected the same animal.
How Problem Solving in Childhood Helps in Adulthood
Children are not born with problem-solving skills. It is something that needs to be learned and developed over time .
From babies who learn how to communicate their needs to toddlers who figure out how to get what they want, to children who are starting to understand the consequences of their actions – problem-solving is a process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.
Some of the benefits of teaching problem-solving skills to children include:
- Improved critical thinking skills
- Better decision-making skills
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved communication and collaboration skills
- Increased confidence
There are many ways to teach problem-solving skills to children. The activities mentioned above are just a few examples. It is important to find activities that are appropriate for the age and abilities of the child.
With practice, children will develop these skills and be better prepared to face challenges in both childhood and adulthood.
Final Thoughts About Fun Problem Solving Activities For Kids
These are just a few ideas to get you started on teaching your child crucial problem solving skills. Perhaps they’ve inspired to come with some of your own, or seek out others? The important thing is to make sure the activity is age-appropriate and challenging enough to engage the kids.
Problem-solving skills are important for kids to learn because they can be applied to various situations in life. These skills also promote critical thinking, which is an important life skill.
There are many other problem-solving activities for kids out there. In time, you’ll find the ones that work best for your child. And be sure not to forget about your own needs and self-improvement, both of which will make you a better parent and mentor. Here are some useful activities for adults to get your started.
Finally, if you want to level up your parenting skills, then check out this resource that will show you how to get your kids to listen WITHOUT yelling, nagging, or losing control .
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Free Year 3 Maths Worksheets And Homework: Printable, Downloadable Or Just View Online
Sophie Bessemer
To make it easier for schools, teachers and even parents, we’ve collected here all our free Year 3 Maths Worksheets and Year 3 Maths Tests that you can use to support Year 3 maths classroom teaching and homework.
The focus here is on practising and improving pupils’ core skills and revising what you have taught them in class, especially with numbers worksheets. National Curriculum guidance is given where relevant and each year 3 worksheet and year 3 test includes answer sheets.
All the free KS1 and KS2 maths worksheets and resource are in printable pdf format that can also be used directly on screen. If you’re looking for other slides-based teaching resources and lesson plans, we recommend you look at our range of White Rose maths lessons.
If you’re a parent looking for more advice, try our home learning home learning hub full of home learning packs , tips and teaching ideas for Year 3 Maths at Home and maths homework .
If you’re a teacher or school leader who is interested in improving maths attainment in your school or classroom, then this whole website is for you. Third Space Learning is dedicated to improving outcomes in maths with our online tutoring programme of maths interventions , together with maths resources and CPD.
Free Year 3 Maths Worksheets and Tests
Register now with the Third Space Maths Hub (Use Chrome) to download all our free Year 3 maths worksheets, workbooks and resources
Year 3 free place value worksheets
Other year 3 place value worksheets:, year 3 free addition and subtraction worksheets, year 3 free multiplication and division worksheets, other year 3 multiplication and division worksheets, year 3 free fractions worksheets, other year 3 fractions worksheets, year 3 free measurement worksheets, other year 3 measurement worksheets, year 3 geometry worksheets, year 3 free statistics worksheets, other year 3 statistics worksheets, year 3 fluency, reasoning and problem solving worksheets, also in this series…, year 3 maths worksheets on place value: all kinds of word problems.
These Year 3 number and place value worksheets give lots of practice on one-step and two-step word problems to strengthen children’s understanding of place value and ordering numbers.
Download the free Year 3 Number and Place Value workbook
Year 3 place value worksheets: Maths Code Crackers
This place value worksheet provides a fun recap of the place value topic. Children need to solve place value questions (including writing numbers, comparing numbers and ordering numbers) to find the answer to a pirate themed joke.
Download the free Maths Code Crackers Year 3 Place Value
Year 3 place value worksheets: Worked Examples Place Value
Children love to be the teacher! These worksheets include five answered questions, but they haven’t always been answered correctly. Children need to check the given answers to place value questions involving number lines, Base 10 and counters and explain the errors they find.
Download the free Year 3 Worked Examples Place Value
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on addition and subtraction: Gap Plugging Pack
These lessons are what we use during our online maths interventions. The year 3 addition and subtraction worksheets include lots of addition and subtraction questions for children to follow along with. As they are intended to be used by a tutor teaching and supporting a child through their Year 3 addition and subtraction understanding, parents may need to be prepared to step in occasionally.
Download the free Year 3 Addition and Subtraction worksheets or check out or full collection of addition and subtraction worksheets for even more!
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on multiplication: All Kinds of Word Problems
The Y ear 3 multiplication worksheets work on children’s understanding of multiplication facts and multiplication tables in context. Year 3 is a big times tables year so make sure you encourage the learning of times tables at home .
Download the free Year 3 Multiplication worksheets
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on division: Short and Long Division Worksheets
Teaching the long division metho d as part of KS2 maths lessons is a challenge for many teachers let alone parents. Year 3 children won’t be ready for long division as it is not taught until upper key stage 2 but these long division worksheets start with short division so a child can progress from from 1-digit number division to division with 2-digit numbers using division facts and multiples. See also this parents guide to division for kids.
Download the free Year 3 division worksheets
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on multiplication & division: Code Crackers
We’ve combined what 7 and 8 year old children should know by the Spring term of Year 3 to create these ‘retrieval’ practice tasks. This means they are able to work through a series of questions that revisits what they’ve learnt in class.
Download the free Year 3 multiplication & division worksheets
Year 3 Division Word Problems Worksheets: All Kinds of Word Problems on Division Year 3
This workbook includes a range of different types of worded problems to challenge children. The questions range from ‘traditional’ worded problems to missing number problems to make sure children have a good understanding of division.
Download All Kinds of Word Problems on Division Year 3
Year 3 Division Worksheets: Let’s Practice Using the Bar Model Division Year 3
Division can be very challenging for some children. These worksheets encourage the use of bar models to visualise and solve different division problems. With either scaffolded sheets (showing the relevant bar model) or non-scaffolded sheets, these worksheets provide a range of worded division problems that can be easily solved with the help of a bar model.
Download Let’s Practise Using the Bar Model Division Year 3 Maths Worksheets
Year 3 Multiplication and Division Worksheets: Worked Examples Multiplication and Division
These worksheets show a range of techniques used when teaching multiplication and division in Year 3. In these worksheets, children are presented with completed questions using formal column multiplication, sharing, partitioning and using a number line to complete calculations, but the answers are not always right. Children will need to work through the questions to find the correct answer and explain the errors.
Download Year 3 Worked Examples Multiplication and Division
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on fractions: Independent Recap
Our newest resource – these time saving maths worksheets are designed to be completed by children with little support from parents or teachers, making them great homework activities for busy afternoons. This pack contains four worksheets that cover ordering, adding and subtracting fractions.
Download the Year 3 Fractions Independent Recap Worksheets Pack
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on fractions: All Kinds of Word Problems
Understanding of fractions starts early and builds progressively in key stage 2. This year 3 fractions worksheet provides questions around unit and non-unit fractions including comparing and ordering and adding and subtracting; lots more fractions for kids help is available.
Download the free Year 3 Fractions worksheets
Year 3 fractions worksheet: Code Crackers
This fun worksheet focuses on comparing and ordering fractions, finding equivalent fractions as well as adding and subtracting fractions, all to find the answer to a joke.
Download Year 3 Fractions Worksheet: Code Crackers
Year 3 fractions worksheets: Worked Examples
Fractions are not always easy for all children to understand. By looking at and correcting the work of others, children often find it easier to explain mistakes. This worksheet focuses on enabling children to identify and explain the mistakes in a range of fractions questions, including fractions on a number line and fractions of amounts.
Download Year 3 Fractions Worksheet: Worked Examples
Year 3 fractions worksheets: Let’s Practise Using the Bar Model Fractions and Decimals
This worksheet encourages the use of bar models to solve fractions questions. While decimals are not taught explicitly in Year 3, this worksheet introduces two questions that involve decimals to start to develop the connection between fractions and decimals.
Download Let’s Practise Using the Bar Model Fractions Year 3 Maths Worksheets
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on money: Code Crackers
Money is a surprisingly big part of the Year 3 maths curriculum. The Code Crackers series of maths worksheets is perfect for Year 3 homework as it requires very little intervention from parents. There is no new content introduced.
Download the free Year 3 Money worksheets
Year 3 money worksheets: Worked examples
Adding and subtracting money is an important life skill and part of the Year 3 curriculum. This worksheet covers adding and subtracting money in pounds and pence, including the use of estimating and number lines.
Download Year 3 money worksheet: Worked Examples
Year 3 time worksheets: Code Crackers
Year 3 children are expected to have a good understanding of time (including telling the time, knowing time language, know key time facts and compare durations of time). While this is a lot to know, this worksheet will help to recap these facts in an engaging way.
Download Year 3 time worksheet: Code Crackers
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on Time: Year 3 Worked Examples Time
This worksheet focuses on a small selection of the Year 3 time topic that children often struggle with including telling the time to the nearest minute, understanding 24-hour time and finding the duration of events.
Download Year 3 time worksheet: Worked Examples
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on Properties of Shape: Independent Recap
These worksheets have been designed so that children can independently recap key learning about key properties of 2D shape and 3D shapes as well as angles and naming different lines. While some of the questions might seem simple, each sheet includes a challenge to encourage reasoning skills.
Download Year 3 properties of shape worksheet: Independent Recap Week 9 Download Year 3 properties of shape worksheet: Independent Recap Week 10
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on Properties of Shape: Maths Code Crackers Year 3
While children are taught about shapes from Year 1, they are expected to use more complex language to describe a range of shapes in Year 3. This worksheet focuses on the properties of 2-D and 3-D shapes, including and understanding of lines of symmetry and angles.
Download Year 3 properties of shape worksheet: Maths Code Crackers
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on Properties of Shape: Year 3 Worked Examples
This worksheet focuses more on the key vocabulary needed to describe properties of shape including vocabulary for lines (vertical/ parallel), 2-D shapes (quadrilateral) and angles (acute angles, right angles).
Download Year 3 Maths Worksheets on Properties of Shape: Year 3 Worked Examples
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on statistics: Code Crackers
Children are presented one-step and two-step retrieval questions about a bar chart and table. The worksheet helps them to develop their ability to read and interpret data presented in different ways. Simple tables are not new to Year 3 pupils and bar charts build on their existing knowledge of block diagrams.
Download the free Year 3 Statistics worksheets
Year 3 Maths Worksheets on statistics: Worked examples
In this worksheet, children are presented with a table, pictogram and a bar chart to read and interpret. This worksheet highlights some of the common errors that are made by Year 3 children in statistics lessons.
Download the year 3 statistic worksheet: Year 3 Worked examples
Year 3 Maths Worksheets for improving mental maths, arithmetic and fluency: Fluent in Five
We recommend every primary school child starts their day with Fluent in Five. It’s 5-10 minutes of daily arithmetic questions; at this age, your child has to answer 4 questions using either a written or mental method and it’s a fantastic way to develop their numeracy. You’ll be amazed how quickly they become able to switch back and forth from column addition to the mental method with 3-digit numbers!
Download the free Year 3 Arithmetic worksheets
Year 3 Maths Worksheets for problem solving and reasoning: Rapid Reasoning
Children often struggle with maths reasoning at KS2 , e specially in lower Key Stage 2. This set of more than 120 maths reasoning questions includes modelled answers and step by step guidance to support pupils through solving them. Each Year 3 maths reasoning worksheet has approximately 4 questions on it.
Download the free Year 3 Reasoning worksheets
Year 3 Maths Test: Times Tables
It’s essential that children become proficient and quick at their times tables especially now the multiplication tables check is coming into force and schools really need parents support in this. Here are some quick times tables tests that Year 3 children can mark themselves to identify any gaps in their times tables and track their progress.
Download the free Year 3 Times Tables tests
Year 3 Maths Test: All Topics
This Year 3 maths assessment covers the entire Year 3 maths curriculum and is a great way to get an overall view of how a child is doing in maths. There are two tests: a year 3 maths arithmetic test and a year 3 maths reasoning test. Although the time allowed may vary, at home we recommend setting aside an hour for each. Remember that some topics they may not yet have covered in class, so like any formative or summative assessment it’s only a snapshot.
Download the free Year 3 Maths test
- Year 2 Maths Curriculum Toolkit for 6 & 7 Year Olds
- Year 2 Maths Worksheets
- Year 4 Maths Curriculum Toolkit for 8 & 9 Year Olds
- Year 4 Maths Worksheets
- Year 5 Maths Curriculum Toolkit for 9 & 10 Year Olds
- Year 5 Maths Worksheets
- Year 6 Maths Curriculum Toolkit for 10 & 11 Year Olds
- Year 6 Maths Worksheets
Looking for some fun games to boost pupils’ learning? Here are our top favourite 25 maths games you can do at home as well as games for different ages collected here: KS1 maths games KS2 maths games KS3 maths games
Read more: Commutative property
Online 1-to-1 maths lessons trusted by schools and teachers Every week Third Space Learning’s maths specialist tutors support thousands of primary school children with weekly online 1-to-1 lessons and maths interventions . Since 2013 we’ve helped over 130,000 children become more confident, able mathematicians. Learn more or request a personalised quote to speak to us about your needs and how we can help.
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FREE KS2 maths SATs practice papers
Get ready for SATs with this set of 6 maths SATs practice papers designed to help your Year 6 pupils improve test skills and build confidence.
Includes: - 2 arithmetic and 4 reasoning papers that follow the National Curriculum Assessments. - Mark schemes to diagnose and assess where your pupils need extra support.
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Home » Games » 17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]
17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]
Everyone should learn problem solving, as it is important in both our personal and professional lives. Problems occur all around us and many people react with spontaneous emotion. Instead, effective use of problem solving skills can lead to rational thinking, a component of any successful endeavor.
Creative problem involves using one or more of the basic steps of problem solving in exercises designed to challenge the thinking. Problem solving activities work for every age group. In this article, we will present problem-solving activities for adults and kids. We will also provide you with group and team building problem solving ideas.
Table of Contents
- 1.1 Wool Webs
- 1.2 To Do Scavenger Hunt
- 1.3 Impromptu Skits
- 1.4 Block Duplicating
- 2.1 Tower Building
- 2.2 Personalized Crossword
- 2.3 Picture Pieces Puzzle Game
- 3.1 Move It!
- 3.2 Playing Card Mix-up
- 3.3 Blind Formations
- 3.4 Line up Blind
- 3.5 Balloon Tower
- 4.1 Walking the Plank
- 4.2 “Laser” Web
- 4.3 Group Drawing
- 4.4 Animals
- 4.5 Alphabet Game
- 4.6 Related Posts
There are four basic steps in problem solving:
- define the problem
- generate possible solutions
- evaluate and select possible solutions
- implement solutions
Problem solving activities use one of more of these steps.
Group Problem Solving Activities
Group activities provide an effective way to learn problem-solving skills. The following list of activities present problem solving skills in the form of games, a non-threatening and fun way.
Divide your group into teams of equal numbers. Give each team a ball of yarn. Instruct the teams to create a web using only the yarn. Once the teams have finished (you may have to set an amount of time for completion), switch the teams around so that every team has a web other than their own. Each team then blindfolds one team member. The goal is for the blindfolded individual to unwind the web following the verbal instruction of their teammates. In order to be successful, team members must concentrate, and give/follow directions. The first team that has dismantled the web wins this game.
To Do Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt game involves solving a list of problem activities. Begin by dividing your group into teams. Give each group a list of to do activities. The list should begin with some simple tasks, with increasingly more difficult activities. Some suggested activities are:
- Write a one hundred word poem on a given theme.
- Find an object readily available in the area in which you are playing
- Drink a whole can or glass of a liquid
- Solve a Sudoku or cross word puzzle
- Write out all the lyrics of a song (a Christmas carol works well at holiday time)
The team that completes all the activities first, wins.
Impromptu Skits
Prior to playing this game, write down a few appropriate situations that deal events in the venue in which you are playing. For example, for a group involved in customer service, use dealing with an angry customer on the phone. If you have a large group, divide them into teams of six to eight members. Have each group choose a folded piece of paper on which you have written the subject of a skit they must create. Give a set amount of time to prepare the skit and then have each team present their skit to the group. If you have a small group, have each person create one side of a conversation dealing with the problem for presentation to everyone.
Block Duplicating
Build a model out of building blocks. Provide each group member (or divide into teams for a large group ) enough blocks to duplicate the model. Set a specific amount of time for completing the duplicated model. The team that is the first to finish – or gets the furthest on completing their model – wins. The more difficult the original model, the longer this task will take.
Team Building Problem Solving Activities
When choosing team building problem solving activities, make sure the game you use suits the group of people – their ages and interests. The activities we have listed will help with not only problem solving, but also build decision making, collaboration, and listening skills.
Tower Building
Although there are many variations to this game, this one using spaghetti and marsh mellows is our favorite. Divide you group into teams with an equal number of players. Provide each team with an equal amount of spaghetti and marsh mellows. The goal is to see which team can build the highest tower within a set amount of time.
Personalized Crossword
For this game to be effective, you need one or more teams of 8 to 10 people. Have each team list the first and last names of their group members. The goal is to create a crossword puzzle with clues composed of hints about the person, for example, if only one team member has red hair, the two clues for her first and last name could be, “Red hair,” and “Ginger.” It should take each team 20 to 30 minutes to complete their puzzle. When all the teams are finished, trade puzzles so that every team has a different one. Make sure you provide a list of names for the puzzle solvers.
Picture Pieces Puzzle Game
Prepare for this problem solving activity by choosing a well-known picture or cartoon full of detail. Cut the picture into equal sized squares and give one to each member of the group. You will need as many pieces as you have participants. Additionally, give each person a pencil, ruler for help enlarging the picture, colored markers, and a clean sheet of paper. Instruct them to make the puzzle piece five times larger.
Problem Solving Activities for Adults
Divide your group into two teams. Line up the two teams front to back. Have the two groups face each other. Using chalk, spray paint, or masking tape (depending on the play surface) mark a square space for each person to stand on with one extra empty space between the two facing rows. You may also use a piece of paper for each person. The goal is for the two facing lines of players to change places.
Place these restrictions on movement:
- Only one person may move at a time.
- A person may not move around anyone facing the same direction.
- A person may not move backward.
- A person may not move around more than one person on the other team at a time.
Playing Card Mix-up
Divide your group into teams of six to eight participants. Give each team two decks of cards randomly mixed together. Tell the group they must sort them out without talking. As they working at the task, after a few minutes, change the way in which they are doing so using one of the following:
- If a team is sorting by suits from ace to king (4 stacks), tell them to collect the suits together by number (13 stacks).
- If a team begins by collecting the suits together, i.e. all the ones, twos, threes, etc., tell them to sort the suits from ace to king.
The team(s) that do so successfully by the end of a given time (depending on the size of your group) share what methods they used to accomplish the task.
Blindfolded games are always fun and provide the perfect challenge for adult problem solving. We have provided two for you.
Blind Formations
Have your group of adults put on blindfolds and form a large circle. Tie the ends of a rope together and lay in it a circle in the middle of the group, close enough that each person can reach down and pick up the rope. Tell them they must create a shape – a square, triangle, pentagon, etc. If you have a very large group, divide them into teams and provide a rope for each team. Let them compete to see who forms a particular shape quickest.
Line up Blind
Blindfold everyone and number the group by whispering a number to each individual beginning at one. Tell them to line up in numerical order without talking. Variations are many, with some of the favorites not requiring the whispering step being to line up according to height, birthday, surname, color of hair, etc.
Balloon Tower
Divide you group into teams of three and provide ten balloons and four 3-foot long strips of masking tape for each team. The object of this problem solving activity is to build the tallest freestanding tower in ten minutes. They can break the balloons if they wish. However, they may not use any additional materials and the tower must be built on a table or the floor. If you wish, you may add the following instructions:
- No talking.
- Each team member may use only one hand.
- One team member may not touch the materials and only give directions.
You can use one or more of these limitations in 60-second intervals. The first team to complete their tower wins this challenge.
Problem Solving Activities for Kids
The purpose of problem solving activities for kids is to get kids to think about a problem in a different way and have fun while solving it. Children will develop their creativity as they seek to implement a solution.
Walking the Plank
For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart. The goal is for each team to pass one board forward while standing on the other board in single file. If someone steps off a board, the team must start over. The team that succeeds in passing the boards a set number of times, or reaches a predetermined spot is the winner.
“Laser” Web
Use a large ball of string to create a giant web from one end of a room to the other. The goal is for individuals or teams to move through the web without touching the string. If they do so, they have been “zapped by a laser” and must try again. For greater suspense and for older players, use blindfolds or turn off the lights, allowing players to touch the string, but not pull it down or out of its original shape.
Group Drawing
Divide your group of kids into teams of three. Each person on the team has a one of the following roles:
- Drawer . The drawer attempts to recreate a pre-drawn design they cannot see. They take directions from the talker. They stand with their back to the talker and viewer and may not talk.
- Talker . The talker describes the design to the drawer, without seeing the design. They may question the viewer. They may not use hand gestures.
- Viewer . The viewer sees the design. However, they are not allowed to talk and must communicate nonverbally to the talker. Additionally, they must not draw the design in the air or actually show the design with their gestures.
The activity ends when the viewers say they are satisfied with the drawings. You may wish to award a prize to the best drawing.
Prior to playing this game, write on individual slips of paper the names of animal pairs, one name on each slip. Distribute the slips of paper to each group, instructing them not to share which animal name they received. The kids then move around performing activities their animal might do. The goal is for the kids to get into pairs successfully in a set amount of time without talking or making any noises. Suggest the following activities:
- Cleaning or grooming
- Eating and drinking
- Walking or running
Alphabet Game
Have your players sit or stand in a circle. The goal is to shout out words in alphabetical order. Give the kids one of the following categories (or choose your own):
If a player takes longer than five seconds to think of a word, they are out. The last player remaining wins the game.
People achieve more when they solve problems and make decisions together. Our problem solving activities teach participants how to work out a solution, a talent useful in many different environments. Problem solving:
- Improves team work
- Helps participants address complex situations
- Utilizes different thinking styles
- Increases creativity
- Collectively leads to decision making
- Teaches both negotiation and cooperation
After completing a problem solving activity, encourage participants to discuss what process(es) they used in the exercise. Even kids are able to participate in such discussions. Also ask what was learned and if they have any opinions about how they could have solved the problem more efficiently.
Team-building exercises can improve problem solving and decision making in a new or established team. They work with every age group and in many different environments. Use our exercises to help solve problems and have some fun doing so.
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Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.
Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.
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Thanks for your help!!
excellent ideas – thanks !
Excellent ideas.
Thank you. My students have requested we do team-building activities; I thought we would start with problem-solving.
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3rd Grade Math Word Problems Worksheets
Word problems for third grade.
Math word problems help deepen a student's understanding of mathematical concepts by relating mathematics to everyday life.
These worksheets are best attempted after a student has studied the underlying skill; for example, our 'addition in columns" word problem worksheets should not be attempted until students are comfortable with addition in columns.
In many of our word problems we intentionally include superfluous data , so that students need to read and think about the questions carefully, rather than simply applying a computation pattern to solve the problems.
Addition word problems for third grade
Simple addition word problems
Column form addition word problems
Mixed add and subtract word problems
Subtraction word problems
Simple subtraction word problems
Subtraction in columns word problems
Multiplication word problems
Simple multiplication word problems
Multiples of 10
Multiplying in columns
More multiplication word problems
Mixed multiply & divide word problems
Division word problems
Simple division word problems
Long division word problems
Fraction word problems
Identifying and comparing fractions word problems
Adding and subtracting fractions word problems
Mixed 3rd grade word problems
The following worksheets contain a mix of grade 3 addition, subtraction, multiplication and division word problems . Mixing math word problems tests the understanding mathematical concepts, as it forces students to analyze the situation rather than mechanically apply a solution.
Mixed word problems - mental math
Mixed word problems - column math
Mixed word problems - simpler form (shorter texts, no superfluous data)
Measurement word problems for grade 3
These word problems combine the 4 operations with real world units of length, time, volume and mass. There is no conversion of units.
Length word problems
Time word problems
Mass & weight word problems
Volume & capacity word problems.
Word problems with variables
These grade 3 word problems introduce students to using variables ("x, y, etc.") to represent unknowns. The problems are relatively simple, but emphasize the use of variables and the writing of equations.
Word problems with variables (variable is chosen for the student)
Writing variables to solve word problems (student chooses the variable)
Sample Grade 3 Math Word Problems Worksheet
More word problem worksheets
Explore all of our math word problem worksheets , from kindergarten through grade 5.
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Year 3 Maths Worksheets UK Hub Page
Welcome to our Year 3 Maths Worksheets area. Here you will find links to our Year 3 Math worksheets for your child will enjoy.
Come and take a look at our multiplication pages, or money flashcards. Perhaps you would prefer our telling the time worksheets, maths games or identifying 2d and 3d shapes in the geometry section?
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This page contains links to other Math webpages where you will find a range of activities and resources.
If you can't find what you are looking for, try searching the site using the Google search box at the top of each page.
Year 3 Maths Learning
Here are some of the key learning objectives for the end of Year 3:
- know and use Place value up to 1000
- Compare and order numbers up to 1000
- Counting on and back in 1s, 10s and 100s from different starting points
- Position numbers on a number line up to 1000
- know addition and subtraction facts to 20
- add or subtract 1s, 10s or 100s from a 3-digit number
- subtract 2- and 3-digit numbers in columns
- solve problems using addition and subtraction
- count from 0 in multiplies of 4, 8, 50 and 100
- recall and use multiplication and division facts from the 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 times tables
- multiply 2-digit numbers by a 1-digit number
- solve problems using multiplication and division
- count up and down in tenths
- understand tenths as decimals
- recognise and use fractions as numbers
- understand and use fractions of objects or shapes
- add and subtract amounts of money
- use £ and p notation correctly
- measure, compare, add and subtract lengths, mass and volume
- measure the perimeter of simple 2D shapes
- tell the time from an analogue clock
- convert between 12- and 24-hour clock
- measure and compare times
- Identify angles including right angles
- identify acute and obtuse angles
- identify horizontal, vertical, parallel and perpendicular lines
- recognise and draw 2D and 3D shapes
- interpret and present data in bar graphs, pictograms and tables
- solve 1-step and 2-step problems using data in tables, pictograms and graphs
Please note:
Our site is mainly based around the US Elementary school math standards.
Though the links on this page are all designed primarily for students in the US, but they are also at the correct level and standard for UK students.
The main issue is that some of the spelling is different and this site uses US spelling.
Year 3 is generally equivalent to 2nd Grade in the US.
On this page you will find link to our range of math worksheets for Year 3.
Quicklinks to Year 3 ...
- Place Value Zone
- Mental Math Zone
Word Problems Zone
Fractions zone.
- Measurement Zone
Geometry Zone
Data analysis zone.
- Fun Zone: games and puzzles
Coronavirus Stay At Home Support
For those parents who have found themselves unexpectedly at home with the kids and need some emergency activities for them to do, we have started to develop some Maths Grab Packs for kids in the UK.
Each pack consists of at least 10 mixed math worksheets on a variety of topics to help you keep you child occupied and learning.
The idea behind them is that they can be used out-of-the-box for some quick maths activities for your child.
They are completely FREE - take a look!
- Free Maths Grabs Packs
Place Value & Number Sense Zone
Year 3 place value charts.
Here you will find a range of Free Printable Number Charts for Years 2 & 3.
These printable charts will help your child learn to read and write numbers.
Some of the charts are partially filled to help your child learn their place value.
Using these sheets will help your child to:
- learn to count in tens and ones;
- learn to read and write numbers.
- Printable Number Charts 0-99
- Hundred Number Charts (100 Squares)
- Number Grid up to 200
- Number Grid up to 300
Place Value & Counting Worksheets
Below are our selection of Place Value, Ordering and Rounding Worksheets
Using these Year 3 Maths worksheets will help your child to:
- learn to count by hundreds, tens, fives, twos and ones;
- learn their place value to Hundreds;
- order numbers to 999.
- Place Value Models and Representations
- Place Value Worksheets 3 Digits
- Math Practice - Counting by 1s 2s 5s 10s 100s
Ordering and Rounding Worksheets (3-digits)
Once your child is confident with their place value to hundreds, they can start learning about ordering and rounding numbers.
The Year 3 Maths worksheets here will help your child learn to compare numbers to 999, and round numbers to the nearest 10.
- Ordering Numbers Worksheets up to 3-Digits
Year 3 Number Line Worksheets
The following webpages involve correctly placing numbers on a number line.
Using these Year 3 maths worksheets will help your child to:
- count by 1s 2s 5s 10s 50s and 100s;
- position numbers on a number line;
- understand place value up to 3 digits.
- Number lines up to 100 (easier)
- Number Line Worksheets 3 Digits
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Year 3 Mental Maths Zone
Here you will find a range of printable mental math sheets for Year 3 to enjoy.
Each quiz tests the children on a range of math topics from number facts and mental arithmetic to geometry, fraction and measures questions.
A great way to revise topics, or use as a weekly math test or math quiz!
- Year 3 Mental Maths Worksheets Series A
- Year 3 Mental Maths Worksheets Series B
Year 3 Addition Worksheets
- learn their addition facts to 20+20
- learn how to solve addition sums where one of the addends is missing, but the total is given;
- learn to add numbers to 999 in columns.
- Number Bonds to 20
- Math Addition Facts to 20
- 2 Digit Column Addition Without Regrouping
- 2 Digit Column Addition Worksheets With Regrouping
- 3 Digit Column Addition Worksheets
Year 3 Subtraction Worksheets
The following worksheets involve using the skills of subtracting numbers, and solving subtraction problems.
- know their subtraction facts to 20;
- know how addition and subtraction are related to each other;
- learn to do 3 digit column subtraction.
- Subtraction Facts to 20 Worksheets
- Two Digit Subtraction Worksheets Without Regrouping
- 2 Digit Subtraction Worksheets With Regrouping
- 3 Digit Subtraction Worksheets
Addition & Subtraction Worksheets
You can create your own addition and subtraction worksheets with our random generator.
All you need to do is to set your number size and let the generator do the rest!
- Addition Subtraction Fact Worksheets
- Column Addition and Subtraction Worksheets
Year 3 Multiplication Worksheets
The following worksheets involve using the Year 3 Maths skills of multiplying, and solving multiplication problems.
- learn their multiplication tables up to 5 x 5;
- understand multiplication as repeated addition;
- learn how multiplication and division are related to each other.
Online Times Table Practice
- Times Tables Online Practice Zone
- Understanding Multiplication Worksheets
- Printable Times Tables - 2 Times Table sheets
- Printable Times Tables - 3 Times Table sheets
- Times Tables for kids - 4 Times Table sheets
- Times Table Math - 5 Times Table sheets
- Learning Times Tables - 8 Times Table
Multiplication Word Problems
- Year 3 Multiplication Word Problems (2nd Grade)
Randomly Generated Multiplication Worksheets
- Times Tables Worksheets (randomly generated)
- Year 3 Division Worksheets
The following worksheets involve using the skills of dividing, and solving division problems.
Using these Year 3 maths worksheets will help your child learn to:
- understand division as repeated subtraction or sharing;
- understand different models of division;
- Division Facts Worksheets (randomly generated)
Here are a range of problems solving sheets for Year 3 children. Most of the sheets contain 'real-life' problems related to animal facts.
Using the sheets will help your child to:
- apply their addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills;
- apply their knowledge of rounding and place value;
- solve a range of 'real life' problems.
These sheets involve solving one or two more challenging longer problems. This link opens in a new tab.
- Year 3 Maths Challenges
These sheets involve solving many 'real-life' problems involving data.
- Year 3 Math Word Problems
These sheets involve solving a range of addition word problems within 100.
- Addition Word Problems 2nd grade
These sheets involve solving a range of subtraction word problems up to 100.
- Subtraction Word Problems 2nd grade
- 2nd Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
These sheets involve solving a range of multiplication problems.
- Multiplication Word Problems Year 3
Year 3 Fraction Worksheets
- understand what a half is;
- shade in half of a shape;
- find different numbers involving 'halves' on a number line;
- find half of different numbers up to 20.
- Fraction Math Worksheets - Understanding a half
- Fraction Riddles for kids (easier)
Year 3 Geometry Worksheets
At a Year 3 level, children are introduced to a wider range of 2d and 3d shapes, and start to learn to reflect, flip and rotate shapes.
They are able to classify and sort two-dimensional shapes using different criteria, and they learn the properties of three-dimensional shapes.
The following worksheets will help your child to:
- Identify and name a range of 2d and 3d shapes;
- Draw 2d shapes;
- Know some of the properties of 2d shapes.
- Year 3 Geometry Worksheets (2nd Grade)
Symmetry Worksheets
- learn how to reflect simple shapes in a horizontal or vertical mirror line;
- learn how to reflect simple shapes in 2 mirror lines.
- Symmetry Worksheets - Block Symmetry
Measurement Zone, including Time & Money
Year 3 measurement worksheets.
These sheets involve reading scales going up in ones, fives, tens and hundreds to find the length, weight or liquid capacity.
Using these sheets will help children to consolidate their counting as well as learning to read a simple scale.
- Year 3 Measurement Worksheets (2nd Grade)
Counting Money Worksheets UK - £2, £1, 50p and 20p coins
Here you will find a selection of Counting Money sheets designed to help your child count different amounts of money using UK coins up to £2.
- count a range of coins up to £5
- compare money amounts
- apply their existing skills to puzzle out clues;
- understand money terminology;
- develop their thinking skills.
The free Year 3 Money worksheets in this section are suitable for children in Years 2 and 3.
- Free Money Worksheets UK Coins up to £1
- Year 3 Money Worksheets to £5
- Money Riddles for Kids (UK coins)
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Time Worksheets
Here are our collection of clock worksheets for Year 3. These sheets cover telling the time for quarter past and quarter to times.
- read times to the nearest 5 minutes;
- convert analogue to digital times;
- adding and subtracting hours from different times.
- Clock Worksheets - Quarter Past and Quarter To
- Telling Time to 5 Minutes Worksheets
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Year 3 Bar Graph Worksheets
These sheets involve reading and interpreting a range of bar graphs and picture graphs with a scale going up in ones or twos.
Draw missing bars on a bar graph to the correct height.
Use the information in a bar graph to add data into a table.
Using the link below will open the 2nd grade Math Salamanders website in a new browser window.
- Year 3 Bar Graphs (2nd Grade)
Fun Zone: Puzzles, Games and Riddles
Year 3 math games.
All children like to play Math games, and you will find a good range of 2nd Grade Math Games here for your child to play and enjoy.
The following games involve different Second Grade Math activities which you and your child can enjoy together.
- Year 3 Math Games (2nd Grade)
- Year 3 Maths Puzzles
The puzzles will help your child practice and apply their addition, subtraction and multiplication facts as well as developing their thinking and reasoning skills in a fun and engaging way.
The Number Square Puzzles page will open a new browser window which will take you to the 2nd grade math salamanders website.
Using these puzzles will help your child to:
- learn their addition facts to 20+20;
- learn and practice subtraction facts to 20;
- pratice multiplying up to 5x5;
- develop thinking and reasoning skills;
- develop perseverance.
- Number Square Puzzles
- Math Puzzles at 2nd Grade Math Salamanders
Math Salamanders Year 3 Maths Games Ebook
Our Year 3 Maths Games Ebook contains all of our fun maths games, complete with instructions and resources.
This ebooklet is available in our store, use the link below to find out more!
- Year 3 Maths Games Ebook
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On this site you will find a wider selection of Year 3 maths worksheets and free math resources.
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Critical Thinking: 11 Problem Solving Activities for Kids
As parents and teachers, it’s our responsibility to teach the children in our lives appropriate critical thinking and conflict resolution skills to help them develop and maintain relationships, excel in academics and extracurricular activities, and exercise proper self-regulation and anger management skills. If you’re looking for problem solving activities for kids, we’re sharing 11 of our favorites that can be used at home and in the classroom.
Why Is Problem Solving Important for Child Development?
As adults, we field all kinds of problems on a daily basis, many of which we resolve without much thought. We’re able to approach challenges rationally, come up with possible solutions, and weigh the pros and cons of each before we act. Of course, some problems are more complex than others, but for the most part, we’re able to work through each of them and try different strategies and techniques along the way until we come up with a solution that works. This is a natural process we’ve learned throughout the course of our lives, and in order for our children to learn appropriate problem solving skills as they grow, we need to teach them strategies and work with them as they apply these techniques to their lives.
When children aren’t equipped with appropriate problem solving skills, they tend to avoid situations and activities that feel challenging to them, which can have a huge impact on their ability to form and maintain relationships with their peers, excel in a school environment, and pursue interests and hobbies. The absence of critical thinking and conflict resolution skills can also lead to negative, and often impulsive behavior.
Teaching kids proper problem solving skills helps boost their self-esteem and self-confidence, helps them become more independent, and has a positive impact on their mental health.
6 Problem Solving Strategies for Kids
1) Take a deep breath
The first step in teaching problem solving skills to kids is to ensure they are calm. When our emotions are high, it’s much more challenging to see things rationally, making impulsive reactions more likely. Teach your child how to calm his or her body through mindful breathing so he or she has a go-to strategy to return to a state of calm when his or her emotions are high.
2) Verbalize the problem
Once your child is calm, ask him or her to verbalize the problem he or she is struggling with. Putting our thoughts into words can help us gain perspective and make it easier for us to search for solutions.
3) Brainstorm solutions
You can have your child do this verbally, or you can ask him or her to write them down, but the idea is to come up with as many solutions as possible, no matter how silly or far-fetched they may seem. A great idea is to set a timer (we LOVE our Time Timer as it visually shows the passage of time) and challenge your little one to strategize as many ideas as he or she can in that timeframe.
4) Evaluate each option
Work with your child to evaluate each idea he or she has come up with. Help him or her anticipate the pros and cons of each, and then identify which solution is the best.
5) Practice!
Encourage your child to put his or her solution to practice to see if it works!
When it comes to enforcing problem solving strategies for kids, this one is often overlooked but it’s so important! Once your child has tested out a solution to his or her problems, it’s essential that you take the time to help him or her assess whether or not it was successful. What went wrong? What went right? Should he or she try another strategy?
11 Problem Solving Activities for Kids
If you want to help build your child’s social, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and anger management skills, these fun and effective problem solving activities are for you! We’ve included family games, team building activities, task cards, and other creative challenges for small groups that can be used both at home and in the classroom.
1) Problems in a Jar Mosswood Connections is one of my favorite resources for kids activities, and I recently found this Problems in a Jar activity on their site. It’s designed to help kids learn how to define a problem, generate possible solutions, evaluate and select the best solution, and then implement the solution independently. It’s a great social skills activity to work through with your child at home.
2) HedBanz If you’ve never played HedBanz, you’re in for a REAL treat. Not only is this game fun, the question and answer premise behind this game will also challenge your child’s critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. This is definitely high on my list of the best problem solving activities for kids!
3) The Tower of Self Esteem If you’re looking for team building activities for kids, this is a great ice breaker to consider. This game gets kids talking while also allowing them to see their own self-worth by identifying their own strengths. It’s also a great fine motor activity, and since it can be difficult and frustrating to stack the plastic cards into a tower, it’s one of my favorite problem solving activities for kids!
4) Team Scavenger Hunt This will require a bit of upfront work on your part, but it’s a great way to get kids to work collaboratively and it can be extremely fun and engaging! Divide kids into teams of 4 or 5 and provide them with a set of clues to see who can work together to find all of the items the fastest. What I love most about scavenger hunts is that you can create subject-specific scavenger hunts to compliment lesson plans, holidays, etc. Teachers Pay Teachers has TONS of great ideas you can purchase for a small fee.
5) What Would You Do At School If… If you’re looking for problem solving activities for kids you can do at home – or in therapy – this is another good one to consider. With 56 cards to choose from, this activity gets kids thinking of different scenarios and helps them strategize how they can make good choices at school.
6) Quirkle Board Game If you’re looking for problem solving activities for kids you can enjoy as a family, I highly recommend Quirkle! It’s easy to play but definitely puts players’ problem solving skills to the test, and I love that it’s a game the whole family can enjoy!
7) Size of the Problem Activity Pack Teachers Pay Teachers is one of my favorite resources for kids activities, and if you’re looking for problem solving activities for kids, this is a great option. The activities in this set help kids identify the size of their problems and the feelings they create, identify which reactions are/are not appropriate, and strategize possible solutions, making it a great way to engage in meaningful back-and-forth communication with your child while simultaneously teaching appropriate problem solving strategies.
8) Human Knot This is another one of my favorite problem solving activities for kids as it requires no setup and can be done absolutely anywhere. It also doubles as a great team building activity and it’s super fun! Have a group of kids stand in a circle and ask everyone to raise their right arm before reaching forward to grab hands with someone opposite from them. Next, ask everyone to raise their left arms and do the same thing. Be sure no one is holding hands with someone standing directly next to him or her. The object of this activity is for the group to find a way to detangle themselves without letting go of anyone’s hands.
9) Osmo Genius Kit While I like to find ways to get kids off their electronics, the Osmo system has really captured my heart. It teaches so many important concepts in a fun and creative way, and if you’re looking for independent problem solving activities for kids, the Tangram game is one of my absolute favorites!
10) Fingertip Hula Hoop If you’re looking for activities that help kids learn how to work collaboratively to solve problems, this is a fun one to try. Create groups of about 6-8 kids, have them stand together in a circle with their arms raised above their heads, and then place a hula hoop on their finger tips. Using nothing but their fingertips, each team must work together to lower the hula hoop to the ground without dropping it.
11) Kids’ Daily Dilemmas in a Jar I have heard nothing but positive things about these cards, but have been warned some of the topics are a bit mature. If you’re looking for problem solving activities for kids in middle school or high school, this is a great one to consider – just be careful to review the cards ahead of time so you can remove any you feel are inappropriate.
I hope this collection of problem solving activities for kids inspires you to find new and creative ways to develop your little one’s critical thinking and conflict resolution skills. Remember to keep your child calm, to verbalize and strategize together, to evaluate and reassess, and – more importantly – to keep things fun!
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The Ultimate List of Creative Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers
We will explore problem solving skills, milestones and creative problem solving examples for kids that you will have fun trying with your little one.
Let’s Define Problem Solving
It’s simple. Problem solving is a skill set used by your baby that incorporates his or her ability to perceive, think, and gain understanding about his or her world; including remembering and decision-making. All of these problem solving skills are also known as cognitive skills .
Purposeful Problem Solving
Problem solving is a skill that begins early in your baby’s life. But there is a difference between simple problem solving and purposeful problem solving. Let’s explain.
Purposeful problem solving involves an intended action to achieve a desired result. Your child will use a specific problem solving approach to achieve this. They may include:
- Manipulating objects
- Learning about different properties of objects
- Learning how to get things done in the easiest way
Overcoming Obstacles
Overcoming obstacles is a necessity in becoming good at problem solving . There are times when you will be convinced that your child is a genius with the clever ways he can overcome the obstacles that stand in his way!
Everyday Problems and Solutions
Make way for your little creative thinker! Overcoming obstacles in clever ways is what your little one does best. These clever ways are not always verbal (especially at a younger age), it is important to practice nonverbal problem solving activities. So, what will your baby’s creative problem solving abilities look like? Take a look at two examples of problem solving life skills activities:
Life Problem: Your child sees her bottle sticking out of the diaper bag that is slightly out of reach. Solution: Your child pulls at the strap of the diaper bag to pull it closer to her.
Life Problem: Your child sees his favorite toy on the other side of the laundry basket. Solution: He crawls around the laundry basket to get his toy.
Understanding Cognitive Development
Cognitive development is your child’s ability to communicate, think, and problem solve. As your child grows, his or her brain is growing as well. As your child’s cognitive skills become more developed, the more he or she will begin to explore their world and test things in his or her environment. Understanding your baby’s cognitive development is key to chosing the best activities to help your baby master his or her problem solving skills.
Resist Coming to the Rescue
One great tip for parents is to not be so quick to come to the aid of your child when he or she faces small everyday problems. By allowing your baby the time and space to figure things out for himself, you help him build confidence and grow his ability to problem solve.
Tips for Easy Creative Problem Solving Activities
We at ADAM & Mila wish to provide practical and easy to apply ideas for fun and educational activities. There is a variety of easy brain boosting activities to stimulate your baby’s brain, increase his or her critical thinking skills , and help your little one become a great problem solver. There are a lot of activities that you can do with your child.
Problem Solving Activities For Infants
- Sing to your baby
- Read to your baby every day
Problem Solving Activities For Toddlers
- Play peek-a-boo
- Play hide-and-seek with objects
- Play with puzzles, blocks, or drawing materials
Problem Solving Activities For Children Age 2-3
- Sort objects by color, size, and shape
- Help your child “write” his own book by writing his words while he or she draws the pictures
- Teach the words; on, under, behind, around by playing games like Simon Says
- Provide a “dress-up” box for your child for imaginative play
The Milestones of Developing Methodical Problem Solving Skills
Below we have collected all the milestones your child will go through month-by-month as he or she acquire these critical problem solving skills.
That Second Reach
Development Milestone emerges from age 5 to 7 months.
At about 5 months old, your child will begin to purposely reach for second objects while still holding on to the first one. For example, while holding one toy in his hands, he may use his other hand to reach for a second toy. He does not, however, have to necessarily pick it up.
Works for It
Development Milestone emerges from age 5 to 9 months.
Now, your baby’s movements start to demonstrate clear purpose, intention, and persistence while repeatedly reaching for objects. This is when your child will try and try again to get that ball he really wants that is out of his reach. He may reach, stretch, or even wiggle to get it.
Drops Object to Pick Up New Object
Development Milestone emerges from age 6 to 8 months.
At this age, if your little one is holding an object or toy in each of her hands, she may drop one of them to pick up a new object without even thinking about it. She isn’t yet purposefully trying to think of a way to hold all three, which is why she will drop one toy to get the new one.
Reaches for New Object While Holding Two
Development Milestone emerges from age 8 to 10 months.
Unlike the stage before, this time when your child is holding an object in each of his hands, he will attempt to pick up a third one without dropping the ones he is already holding. There is a thought process of how to hold the third item, whether it is by adjusting his grasp on the current two items, reaching with his mouth for the third item or coming up with another way.
Pulling It Closer
Now, when your child sees his favorite toy resting on a towel or sheet out of reach, he will simply purposely pull the towel or sheet with the toy on it closer to him. Observe this milestone on your child by simply placing a toy on a towel on the floor and see what your child does.
Development Milestone emerges from age 8 to 11 months.
Nothing is going to stop your little one from getting to the toy he wants! Not a box, laundry basket, or pillow. At this age, your baby will figure out a way to get that toy he wants, even if he has to push, reach above, or move around something to get it.
Getting in Motion to Grab an Object
Development Milestone emerges from age 9 to 12 months.
Now, your child is ready to crawl, creep, scoot, roll, climb, or walk to get to that toy she wants! You can test to see if your child has mastered this milestone by placing a toy that has multiple pieces like a stacking toy around the room. Place the base of the stacking toy by your child and the rings around the room and watch as your child problem solves to find the rings and bring them back to the base.
Pulling Toy Horizontally by a Handle or Strap
This stage shows your child’s understanding of how two objects are connected and how one can influence the movement of the other. So, you may see your child pull at a shoestring to get her shoe or the strap of a diaper bag to get her bottle or sippy cup.
Pulling Toy Vertically by a Handle or Strap
Development Milestone emerges from age 13 to 15 months.
Now that she has mastered pulling horizontally at a string or strap of an object to bring it closer to her, she will begin to pull at strings or straps that are hanging to pull an object up to her. For example, she may pull a string or plastic chain link of a toy dangling from her high chair.
Flips Over Container to Get to Small Objects
Development Milestone emerges from age 12 to 18 months.
When trying to get at a small object inside of a container, your baby will likely try to get at it by poking his finger in it or shaking it. However, after showing him how, your baby will flip over the container and begin to shake it until the desired object falls out.
Simple Problem Solving with Tools
Development Milestone emerges from age 17 to 24 months.
At this stage, your child will use an unrelated object to get the object she actually wants. For example, she may grab a nearby stick (or spatula) to get her favorite toy out from underneath the couch or she may invent other ways to solve her problem of getting her favorite toy out.
Turning Doorknobs
Development Milestone emerges from age 21 to 23 months.
Now, the fun begins (depending on your idea of fun) because your toddler has figured out that he or she can get to the other side of the door by simply turning the doorknob. This means you need to do another round of baby proofing. A door is no longer an obstacle.
These are some of the many milestones that your child is mastering as he or she is growing from infant to toddler. Your baby’s ability to problem solve is an important one. It can also be a lot of fun to help them along the way as that skill continues to develop. It is important to note that every baby learns at his or her own pace. So, don’t worry if your baby isn’t doing what your neighbor’s kid was doing at that age. Always speak to your pediatrician for serious concerns. Otherwise, try out some fun activities with your baby that we know will benefit both you and your child. Oh, and remember to have fun!
We hope that this article was helpful to you. We would love to know what you think! Please share our article with others who might benefit from it.
Read our complete guide to Cognitive Development Milestones
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Grand ma Iris says
April 3, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Enjoyed reading your article on early childhood growth and thinking process for problem solving. Helpful
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Home > Learning & Development
Learning and Development
Maths problem-solving activities for Early Years settings
- Written By: Judith Dancer
- Subject: Maths
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Critical thinking doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect. There are simple, effective and exciting ways to encourage children’s mathematical investigation and exploration, says Judith Dancer…
Maths is a subject many adults lack confidence in. Having struggled with it at school they often avoid it, wherever possible, when grown up.
But if maths seems scary for some people, then problem solving in mathematics can cause even more anxiety. There is no ‘safety net’ of knowing the ‘correct answer’ beforehand as problem solving lends itself to investigation and exploration with lots of possible tangents.
Understandably this is often the area of maths where many practitioners feel least confident, and where young children, who are not restrained by right answers, feel the most enthused and animated.
The non-statutory Development Matters Guidance , as part of ‘creating and thinking critically’ in the Characteristics of Effective Learning, identifies that practitioners need to observe how a child is learning, noting how a child is:
● thinking of ideas;
● finding ways to solve problems;
● finding new ways to do things;
● making links and noticing patterns in their experience;
● making predictions;
● testing their ideas;
● developing ideas of grouping, sequences, cause and effect;
● planning, making decisions about how to approach a task, solve a problem and reach a goal;
● checking how well their activities are going;
● changing strategy as needed;
● reviewing how well the approach worked.
All of these elements are, at one time or another, part of the problem identifying and solving process – although not at the same time and in the same problem.
Role of the adult
Problem solving in mathematics for young children involves them understanding and using two kinds of maths:
● Maths knowledge – learning and applying an aspect of maths such as counting, calculating or measuring.
● Maths thinking skills – reasoning, predicting, talking the problem through, making connections, generalising, identifying patterns and finding solutions.
The best maths problems for children are the ones that they identify themselves – they will be enthused, fascinated and more engaged in these ‘real’, meaningful problems.
Children need opportunities to problem solve together. As they play, they will often find their own mathematical problems.
One of the key roles of practitioners is to provide time, space and support for children. We need to develop situations and provide opportunities in which children can refine their problem-solving skills and apply their mathematical knowledge.
You can effectively support children’s developing problem-solving strategies through:
● Modelling maths talk and discussion – language is part of maths learning because talking problems through is vital. Children need to hear specific mathematical vocabulary in context. You can promote discussion through the use of comments, enabling statements and open- ended questions.
● Providing hands-on problem solving activities across all areas of the setting – children learn maths through all their experiences and need frequent opportunities to take part in creative and engaging experiences. Maths doesn’t just happen in the maths learning zone!
● Identifying potential maths learning indoors and outdoors – providing rich and diverse open-ended resources that children can use in a number of different ways to support their own learning. It is important to include natural and everyday objects and items that have captured children’s imaginations, including popular culture.
Problem solving possibilities
Spell it out.
This experience gives children lots of opportunities to explore calculating, mark making, categorising and decisions about how to approach a task.
What you need to provide:
● Assorted containers filled with natural materials such as leaves, pebbles, gravel, conkers, twigs, shells, fir cones, mud, sand and some ‘treasure’ – sequins, gold nuggets, jewels and glitter.
● Bottles and jugs of water, large mixing bowls, cups, a ‘cauldron’, small bottles, spoons and ladles.
● Cloaks and wizard hats.
● Laminated ‘spells’ – e.g. “To make a disappearing spell, mix 2 smooth pebbles, 2 gold nuggets, 4 fir cones, a pinch of sparkle dust, 3 cups of water”.
● Writing frameworks for children’s own spell recipes, with sparkly marker pens and a shiny ‘Spell Book’ to stick these in and temporary mark-making opportunities such as chalk on slate.
The important thing with open-ended problem-solving experiences like this is to observe, wait and listen and then, if appropriate, join in as a co-player with children, following their play themes.
So if children are mixing potions, note how children sort or categorise the objects, and the strategies they use to solve problems – what happens if they want eight pebbles and they run out? What do they do next?
When supporting children’s problem solving, you need to develop a wide range of strategies and ‘dip into’ these appropriately. Rather than asking questions, it is often more effective to make comments about what you can see – e.g. “Wow, it looks as though there is too much potion for that bottle”.
Acting as a co-player offers lots of opportunities to model mathematical behaviours – e.g. reading recipes for potions and spells out loud, focusing on the numbers – one feather, three shells…
Going, going, gone
We all know that children will engage more fully when involved in experiences that fascinate them. If a particular group has a real passion for cars and trucks, consider introducing problem-solving opportunities that extend this interest.
This activity offers opportunities for classifying, sorting, counting, adding, subtracting, among many other things.
● Some unfamiliar trucks and cars and some old favourites – ensure these include metal, plastic and wooden vehicles that can be sorted in different ways.
● Masking tape and scissors.
● Sticky labels and markers.
Mark out some parking lots on a smooth floor, or huge piece of paper (lining paper is great for this), using masking tape. Line the vehicles up around the edge of the floor area.
Encourage one child to select two vehicles that have something the same about them. Ask the child, “What is the same about them?”. When the children have agreed what is the same – e.g. size, materials, colour, lorries or racing cars – the child selects a ‘parking lot’ to put the vehicles in. So this first parking lot could be for ‘red vehicles’.
Another child chooses two more vehicles that have something the same – do they belong in the same ‘parking lot’, or a different parking lot? E.g. these vehicles could both be racing cars.
What happens when a specific vehicle could belong in both lots? E.g. it could belong in the set of red vehicles and also belongs in the set of racing cars. Support the children as they discuss the vehicles, make new ‘parking lots’ with masking tape, and create labels for the groups, if they choose.
It’s really important to observe the strategies the children use – where appropriate, ask the children to explain what they are doing and why.
If necessary, introduce and model the use of the vocabulary ‘the same as’ and ‘different from’. Follow children’s discussions and interests – if they start talking about registration plates, consider making car number plates for all the wheeled toys outdoors, with the children.
Do the children know the format of registration plates? Can you take photos of cars you can see in the local environment?
Camping out
Constructing camps and dens outdoors is a good way to give children the opportunity to be involved in lots of problem-solving experiences and construction skills learning. This experience offers opportunities for using the language of position, shape and space, and finding solutions to practical problems.
● Materials to construct a tent or den such as sheets, curtains, poles, clips, string.
● Rucksacks, water bottles, compass and maps.
● Oven shelf and bricks to build a campfire or barbecue.
● Buckets and bowls and water for washing up.
Encourage the children to explore the resources and decide which materials they need to build the camp, and suggest they source extra resources as they are needed.
Talk with the children about the best place to make a den or erect a tent and barbecue. During the discussion, model the use of positional words and phrases.
Follow children’s play themes – this could include going on a scavenger hunt collecting stones, twigs and leaves and going back to the campsite to sort them out.
Encourage children to try different solutions to the practical problems they identify, and use a running commentary on what is happening without providing the solution to the problem.
Look for opportunities to develop children’s mathematical reasoning skills by making comments such as, “I wonder why Rafit chose that box to go on the top of his den.”
If the children are familiar with traditional tales, you could extend this activity by laying a crumb trail round the outdoor area for children to follow. Make sure that there is something exciting at the end of the trail – it could be a large dinosaur sitting in a puddle, or a bear in a ‘cave’.
Children rarely have opportunities to investigate objects that are really heavy. Sometimes they have two objects and are asked the question, “Which one is heavy?” when both objects are actually light.
This experience gives children the chance to explore really heavy things and explore measures (weight) as well as cooperating and finding new ways to do things.
● A ‘building site’ in the outdoor area – include hard hats, builders’ buckets, small buckets, shovels, spades, water, sand, pebbles, gravel, guttering, building blocks, huge cardboard boxes and fabric (this could be on a tarpaulin).
● Some distance away, builders’ buckets filled with damp sand and large gravel.
● Bucket balances and bathroom scales.
With an open-ended activity such as this, it is even more important to observe, wait and listen as the children explore the building site and the buckets full of sand and gravel.
Listen to the discussions the children have about moving the sand and the gravel to the building site. What language do they use?
Note the strategies they use when they can’t lift the large buckets – who empties some of the sand into smaller buckets? Who works together collaboratively to move the full bucket? Does anyone introduce another strategy, for example, finding a wheelbarrow or pull-along truck?
Where and when appropriate, join in the children’s play as a co-player. You could act in role as a customer or new builder: “How can I get all this sand into my car?”; “How much sand and gravel do we need to make the cement for the foundations?”.
Extend children’s learning by modelling the language of weight: heavy, heavier than, heaviest, light, lighter than, lightest; about the same weight as; as heavy as; balance; weigh.
Judith Dancer is an author, consultant and trainer specialising in communication and language and mathematics. She is co-author, with Carole Skinner, of Foundations of Mathematics – An active approach to number, shape and measures in the Early Years .
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Year 3 Length activities. Comparing lengths and problem solving activities with length
Subject: Mathematics
Age range: 7-11
Resource type: Worksheet/Activity
Last updated
28 January 2018
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Reasoning/Problem Solving Maths Worksheets for Year 3 (age 7-8)
Money problems and challenges.
A variety of problem solving activities involving money.
50p to spend, but can you make sure you get the correct change?
Watch out when writing pence as pounds and remember to always have two digits after the decimal point.
The hardest part of these money problems is to read the question and work out what to do.
Put three items in your basket that you would like to buy and then use the money cards to work out the sum.
Solve money problems using the information provided.
Solve money problems at the skating rink.
Plenty of monkey business here!
It's a trip to the zoo to find the very best value.
Some tricky money problems to solve.
More tricky money problems to solve.
Finding different amounts from a given set of coins.
Number and calculating problems
Solve number problems and calculating using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Tricky little problems involving monsters' legs.
Use logic, addition and subtraction to find out how many strawberries are eaten.
Bar Model: addition and subtraction facts.
Use bar models to add and subtract.
Encourage children to make addition and subtraction come to life by writing short number stories.
What numbers can you make with digit cards?
What are the largest and smallest numbers that can be made with 3 cards?
More number stories to write: this time all about multiplication and division.
All the numbers are here, but the signs are missing! Can you work out what the signs should be?
Investigating odd and even numbers and what happens when you add them together.
Use knowledge of place value to find all possible answers.
Finding the numbers and missing digits to make number sentences correct.
Investigate statements involving odd and even numbers.
Investigate statements about multiplication and times tables.
I?m good at thinking of numbers, but can you work out what number I am thinking about ? I do give a clue!
Work out the missing value using division and addition.
Use reasoning to find the missing values.
More on finding the missing values - an early introduction to algebra.
Use division and addition to find the missing values.
Find the missing values from the information given.
More on finding the value using reasoning.
Real life and word problems
A selection of real life problems and word problems.
Tricky word problems.
More tricky word problems.
Tricky questions, but you only have to carry out one maths step to answer them.
Even trickier questions, and you have to carry out at least two steps to work them out!
More word problems, from the library to shopping and on to flying around the world.
Here we have four pages of questions all on time, including a trip to Alicante!
Solving tricky fraction problems.
More challenges and activities
A great selection of activities requiring logical thinking.
Investigation looking at possibilities when adding the digits from 1 to 5.
This time you can decide the total for the sides of the triangle.
Can you put the numbers 1 to 9 in the diagram so that the difference between each pair of joined numbers is odd?
This challenge is to find as many ways as possible of making 12 using three number cards and the add, subtract and multiply signs.
A development of the 'Caterpillar investigation' but using multiples of 10. Great for practising addition.
3 dinosaurs laid some eggs. They laid 19 altogether. How many did they each lay?
How many ways can three runners cover a distance of 19 miles? They all have to run an odd number of miles.
A book challenge here. How accurately can you guess the number of pages in books?
2D card shapes and a 3 x 3 pinboard are useful for these shape activities.
A calculator is needed to find how many different answers can be made from the numbers given. Good for working in an organised, logical way.
A brief summary of some of the most important maths concepts to be taught in Year 3 by way of challenges and investigations.
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Teach Starter Teach Starter
Problem-solving teaching resources.
This collection of problem-solving teaching resources provides students with materials and strategies to guide them when learning to solve numeracy word problems. Learning to decipher word problems and recognise the correct operation to use in order to solve the problem correctly, is an important skill for students to learn. Use these educational games, activities, worksheets, posters, PowerPoint presentations and word problem cards to assist your students when they are learning to problem-solve. Also included are daily maths word problems which can be used as warm-up activities at the beginning of each numeracy lesson.
- Task Cards 22
- Worksheets 20
- Teaching Presentations 8
- Labels, Signs & Decorations 4
- Match-Up Activities 3
- Templates 2
- Classroom Displays 1
- Board Games 1
- Flashcards 1
- Display Banners 1
- Bookmarks 1
- Foundation Year 6
- Teaching Resource 74
- Lesson Plan 2
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teaching resource
Daily maths word problems – year 3.
A set of 20 problem solving questions suited to year 3 students.
Daily Maths Word Problems - Year 5
A set of 20 problem solving questions suited to year 5 students.
Word Problem Worksheets - Year 5 and Year 6
4 mixed operations word problem worksheets with answers.
Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Cards – Middle Primary
Twenty addition and subtraction word problem cards for middle primary.
Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (2-Digit by 1-Digit)
Use a range of strategies to solve 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication and division problems that exceed the facts of the 12 times tables.
Year 4 Numeracy Exit Tickets – Worksheets
24 Numeracy Exit Ticket activities for students to provide evidence of their learning progress.
Year 3 Numeracy Exit Tickets – Worksheets
21 Numeracy Exit Ticket activities for students to provide evidence of their learning progress.
Maths Word Problem Cards (Division and Multiplication) - Upper Primary
Twenty division and multiplication word problem cards for upper primary.
Multiplication and Division Interactive PowerPoint
An engaging 64 slide interactive PowerPoint to use when learning about multiplication and division.
Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards (Numbers 10-50)
Use a range of addition and subtraction strategies to solve twenty word problems that contain numbers 10–50.
Year 5 Numeracy Exit Tickets – Worksheets
20 Numeracy Exit Ticket activities for students to provide evidence of their learning progress.
Daily Maths Word Problems - Year 6 (Worksheets)
A set of 20 problem-solving questions suited to year 6 students.
Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (Facts of 2, 5 and 10)
Use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems with 2, 5 and 10 times tables.
Daily Maths Word Problems - Year 4 (Worksheets)
A set of 20 problem-solving questions suited to year 4 students.
Open-Ended Maths Problem Solving Cards - Upper Primary
A set of 20 open-ended problem solving cards covering a range of mathematical concepts.
Year 6 Numeracy Exit Tickets – Worksheets
23 Numeracy Exit Ticket activities for students to provide evidence of their learning progress.
Year 2 Numeracy Exit Tickets – Worksheets
35 Numeracy Exit Ticket activities for students to provide evidence of their learning progress.
CUBES Maths Strategy
CUBES Maths Strategy poster to display in your classroom.
Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards (Numbers 1-50)
Use a range of addition and subtraction strategies to solve twenty word problems that contain numbers 1–50.
Area And Perimeter Task Cards
A set of 10 area and perimeter task cards.
CUBES Classroom Display and Bookmark Set
Tackle word problems with this CUBES problem-solving classroom display and bookmark set.
Open-ended Maths Problem Solving Cards - Middle Primary
Area and Perimeter Word Problems
A collection of 13 area and perimeter word problems with answers.
Soccer-Themed Maths Problem Solving Worksheets
Practise multiplication, division and problem solving skills with a high-interest soccer-themed scenario activity.
Converting Time Word Problems Worksheet
A set of 12 problem-solving questions on converting units of time.
Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (Facts of 1-12)
Use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems for times tables facts 1-12.
Daily Maths Word Problems - Year 2 (Worksheets)
A set of 20 problem-solving questions suited to Year 2 students.
The Escape From Millbrook Manor – Whole Class Escape Game
An exciting escape room game where students use their maths skills to escape Millbrook Manor.
Daily Maths Problems - Year 4
A 44 slide editable PowerPoint Template for problem solving in mathematics.
Guided Maths Groups – National Numeracy Learning Progression – Task Cards
A set of 32 task cards with activities for tracking student progress along the numeracy learning progression.
Daily Maths Problems – Year 5
Class Carnival – Probability STEM Challenges
A set of four carnival-themed STEM challenges where students create fun games that incorporate probability.
- Problem-Solving Worksheets
- Problem-Solving for Year 1
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- Problem-Solving for Year 3
- Problem-Solving for Year 4
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Unlock access to 4 million resources — at no cost to you — with a school-funded subscription., open ended math questions enrichment task cards year 2, 3 & 4 - volume one.
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Description
These Open Ended Maths Questions are perfect enrichment tasks for students in Years 2, 3 and 4. These 24 open ended math tasks will engage students and help to develop reasoning and problem solving using critical thinking skills. Great for extending and enriching high ability and gifted students.
What's included in this Open Ended Math Enrichment Task Cards resource:
➤ You will receive:
- Colour Task cards
- Black and White Task Cards
- Notebook Slips
- Teacher Notes
- Easel Activity
Ways to use these Open Ended Math Enrichment Task Cards in the classroom:
Students in Years 2, 3 and 4 can complete tasks in the classroom or from home for distance learning. They can also be used for early finishers, warm-ups, plenaries, independent work or extension work. I use these in Math Extension classes for Gifted and Talented / High Ability students.
If these Open Ended Maths Questions are the perfect fit for your classroom, you will also love:
⭐ Gifted and Talented Math Activities Logic Puzzles Extension Task Cards Bundle
⭐ Gifted and Talented Challenge Extension Math ELA Early Finishers
⭐ Gifted & Talented Vol 2 Challenge Extension Math ELA Early Finishers Activities
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Hamilton provide an extensive suite of problem-solving maths investigations for Year 3 to facilitate mathematical confidence, investigative inquiry and the development of maths meta skills in 'low floor - high ceiling' activities for all. Explore all our in-depth problem solving investigations for Year 3.
Download this free pack of word problems to improve your class' problem solving skills. Includes questions for Years 3 - 6. Download Free Now! Year 3 Maths Word Problems in the National Curriculum. Place value. Addition and subtraction. Multiplication and division. Fractions and decimals. Measurement.
A 3-year-old will often use their memory of seeing others solve similar problems. Tamariki will remember what other people did when a problem came up, and they'll try that themselves. Tamariki are increasingly keen on doing things themselves, and will sometimes resist help. 'I can do it myself!' is commonly heard from tamariki during this stage.
Year 3 tasks To solve maths problems at year 3 it is very important for your child to be able to instantly recall addition and subtraction facts up to 20. e-ako maths provides free online basic fact learning tools which will help your child learn their basic facts, as well as a collection of games to improve their speed and accuracy.
17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids 1. Marble Mazes This activity was selected because it requires them to think spatially. Spatial learning will benefit kids when they start driving, riding a bike, playing sports,etc. To do this activity in its simplest form, you will need a piece of paper, a pencil, and some marbles.
Year 3 Maths Worksheets for problem solving and reasoning: Rapid Reasoning Children often struggle with maths reasoning at KS2, e specially in lower Key Stage 2. This set of more than 120 maths reasoning questions includes modelled answers and step by step guidance to support pupils through solving them.
3 Problem Solving Activities for Adults 3.1 Move It! 3.2 Playing Card Mix-up 3.3 Blind Formations 3.4 Line up Blind 3.5 Balloon Tower 4 Problem Solving Activities for Kids 4.1 Walking the Plank 4.2 "Laser" Web 4.3 Group Drawing 4.4 Animals 4.5 Alphabet Game 4.6 Related Posts There are four basic steps in problem solving: define the problem
Solve a given problem by organising and interpreting data in a simple table. 28 Write whole numbers in figures; know what each digit represents. Teaching objectives
The following worksheets contain a mix of grade 3 addition, subtraction, multiplication and division word problems. Mixing math word problems tests the understanding mathematical concepts, as it forces students to analyze the situation rather than mechanically apply a solution. Mixed word problems - mental math Mixed word problems - column math
MAV problem solving task: The 1,2,3,4 Problem. ReSolve Maths by Inquiry lesson sequence: Bakery Challenge. Target Level: 5-6. Target Level: 1-6. Target Level: 5-6. Why we love this task: Problem solving based; Critical thinking and reasoning; Extends knowledge; Connects ideas to enhance understanding; Guides future learning; Why we love this ...
This Year 3 Maths Problems pack contains 16 challenge cards with a range of questions for children to answer. It also features an answer sheet to help you quickly check their work afterwards. This resource is perfect for sparking children's interest in maths.
Year 3 Subtraction Worksheets The following worksheets involve using the skills of subtracting numbers, and solving subtraction problems. Using these sheets will help your child to: know their subtraction facts to 20; know how addition and subtraction are related to each other; learn to do 3 digit column subtraction.
6 Problem Solving Strategies for Kids 1) Take a deep breath The first step in teaching problem solving skills to kids is to ensure they are calm. When our emotions are high, it's much more challenging to see things rationally, making impulsive reactions more likely.
Problem Solving Activities For Children Age 2-3. Sort objects by color, size, and shape. Help your child "write" his own book by writing his words while he or she draws the pictures. Teach the words; on, under, behind, around by playing games like Simon Says. Provide a "dress-up" box for your child for imaginative play.
From treasure hunts to dice games, these year 3 maths games have been designed to make learning fun and effective. While completing these activities, children will practise: counting in multiples of 2, 3, 4 and 5; adding and subtracting numbers mentally; recalling and using multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4 and 8 multiplication tables;
Team Building & Problem Solving. WiseUp Team Building has a whole variety of Year 3 & 4 activity days to choose from to suit students starting Key Stage 2. We encourage students to look at challenges from different perspectives. In addition, team members gain practise in communicating their own ideas and solutions clearly and concisely.
Addition and Subtraction Problem Solving Task Cards. Practice solving 1- and 2-step word problems by adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers with this set of 16 task cards. 1 page Years : 3 - 4. Teaching Resource.
Teach Early Years magazine is the leading B2B title for early years teachers, practitioners and providers, offering expert advice on educating the 0-5s and operating a sustainable childcare business. ... Providing hands-on problem solving activities across all areas of the setting - children learn maths through all their experiences and ...
Comparing lengths and problem solving activities with length. Subject: Mathematics. Age range: 7-11. Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. 5 5 reviews. MELDAVES. 4.74 27 reviews. Last updated. 28 January 2018. ... 3 years ago. report. 5. Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user. Submit reply Cancel. PhillippaStaffs. 4 years ago. report. 5.
Money problem solving (3) More tricky money problems to solve. 4 pages Money: different amounts Money: different amounts Finding different amounts from a given set of coins. Number and calculating problems Solve number problems and calculating using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 4 pages How many legs do the monsters have?
Place Value Numbers Operations Location and Transformation Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Problem-Solving Problem-Solving Teaching Resources In Learning Areas Maths This collection of problem-solving teaching resources provides students with materials and strategies to guide them when learning to solve numeracy word problems.
Description. These Open Ended Maths Questions are perfect enrichment tasks for students in Years 2, 3 and 4. These 24 open ended math tasks will engage students and help to develop reasoning and problem solving using critical thinking skills. Great for extending and enriching high ability and gifted students.