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24 Fun KS1 Maths Games And Activities To Play At Home And School

Emma Johnson

We’ve brought together 24 of the best KS1 maths games to give teachers and parents some new ideas on how to improve pupils’ numeracy in and out of school. 

At KS1, maths games, such as multiplication games , are a great way to motivate, engage and inspire children while still having fun. Children in key stage 1 are ready to start practising and developing a whole range of maths concepts and skills, particularly their fluency and strategic thinking. 

Inevitably, some people consider these sorts of educational games to be an ‘end of term’ or ‘filler’ activity in the classroom, when they are actually an excellent way of helping children learn basic number facts and explore fundamental number concepts at any time.

When searching for fun maths games on the internet, a large number of search results are often for digital online games. While these too have their place, they aren’t always practical to manage with a class of 30. 

In this blog, I will be introducing a range of non-digital games that are interactive in a different sense. While all these maths games are all suitable for primary school children in key stage 1, you’ll find, as with many maths activities, they aren’t restricted to one year group and can be easily adapted to suit children of different ages. They can also be adapted for use in small groups and learning interventions , as well as whole class environments.

Don’t forget to download the printable resources required for a few of the KS1 maths games.

KS1 Maths games printables

All the printable resources you'll need to complete these games

• 1. Number game: battleships
• 2. Number game: total of 10
• 3. Number bonds game: make 10 pyramids
• 4. Mental addition and subtraction game: bowling
• 5. Place value game: sorting and matching
• 7. Addition and subtraction game: grab 
• 8. Addition game: ‘pig’
• 9. Place value two digit number game: in the bucket
• 10. Addition maths game: skunk

11. Addition maths game: make 20

• 12. Maths fluency game: maths fact top it
• 13. Addition and subtraction game: guess my number
• 14. Shapes game: what shape am I?
• 15. Maths dice game: ten sided dice rounding game
• 16. Maths fractions game: snap
• 17. Addition war
• 18. Times tables game bang bang
• 19. Maths, paper, scissors
• 20. The yes / no mental maths game
• 21. Number bond bingo
• 22. Target 50
• 23. Addition turnover
• 24. Number 4 in a row

Maths games for year 1 

In year 1, children continue learning to count to 100, represent numbers in different ways and read and write numbers to 20. They are encouraged to learn their number bonds to 20, alongside the corresponding subtraction facts. Many of the games in year 1 are aimed at improving fluency and the learning of basic maths skills.

1.  Number game: battleships

In year 1, children need to be able to read and write numbers to 100. This is a great game for developing number sense and practising reading numbers.

What you will need to play:

• A hundred square (see downloadable resource pack)

How to play:

• Both players position themselves so they can’t see each other’s hundred square or number square .
• Each player places counters on the hundred square to represent 3 battleships (3 counters long, 4 counters long and 5 counters long).
• Players take it in turns to call out a number. If they hit a battleship, they take the counter. If they miss, the other player marks an x on that number on the hundred square.
• The winner is the first player to ‘sink’ all 3 battleships.

2.  Number game: total of 10

This is a simple KS1 maths game to help children practise their number bonds to 10 and number bonds to 20

• 1 or more players
• A pack of cards with the picture cards removed. Ace is worth 1.

• Shuffle the cards and lay out face up into 4 rows of 5 cards.
• The aim of the game is to remove all the cards from the table in sets of 2 or more cards which add up to 10. E.g. an 8 and a 2 could be removed and a 3, 5 and 2 could also be removed.
• The game can be played individually, with players trying to clear as much of the table as they can.
• If played with other players, take it in turns to remove cards. The winner is the person to have removed the most cards by the end of the game.
• The game can also be played using number bonds to 20, by finding cards which add up to 20.

3.  Number bonds game: make 10 pyramids

This is another fun KS1 maths game for practising number bonds to 10.

• 1 or 2 players.
• A pack of cards (with picture cards removed) Ace is worth 1

How to play :

• This game can be played individually or against another player.
• Shuffle the cards and set out in the shape of a pyramid, with 6 cards on the bottom, up to 1 card at the top. Make sure the cards are overlapping, as in the picture below.
• The aim of the game is to remove all the cards which make 10. This can be 10 on it’s own, or 2 cards which add up to 10.
• Only cards which aren’t covered by another card can be removed, so players have to start with the bottom row.
• If a pair of cards which add up to 10 can’t be made, the player takes a card from the pile at the side.
• If they still can’t make a pair, they put the card in the discard pile and take another card from the face down pile.
• If playing with another player, each person takes it in turns to try and make 10. If playing alone, keep on going until all the cards have been used.

4.  Mental addition and subtraction game: bowling

This is a fun, active way of practising subtraction using subitizing and mental addition.

• 2 or more players
• A set of 6 bottles (to act as skittles) with circle stickers set out in patterns.
• A tennis ball
• Paper and pen
• Set out the ‘skittles’ (water bottles)
• Children take it in turns to bowl their ball.
• They check the skittles that have been knocked over and add together the total on each skittle.
• If they are correct, they get to keep the score from the fallen skittles. This is recorded.
• The winner is the player with the most points at the end of the game.

5.  Place value game:  sorting and matching

In year 1, children need to be able to identify and represent numbers using objects and pictorial representations. This sorting and matching activity is a good way to practise this skill.

• Multi-link cubes
• Dienes base 10
• Using the multi-link cubes, children make stacks of varying sizes, from 1 to 10 cubes in length.
• Ask children to order the stacks of cubes from smallest to largest.
• Once this is complete, ask the child to turn away, mix up the stacks and add some Dienes base 10.
• Children need to match up the Dienes pieces with the corresponding stack of cubes.
• Children working at a different level can be extended further by sorting them into 2 groups – odd and even numbers.
• Paper and pen 
• Both players throw 2 dice and add the 2 numbers together. The player with the highest answer wins the round
• The winner is the first player to reach 10 points.
• The game can be adapted by using 10 sided dice, or by adding a third dice.

7.  Addition and subtraction game: grab 

In this KS1 maths game, children use concrete resources to practise their addition and subtraction skills. They also get to practise writing out number sentences.

• 2 bowls filled with cubes or other small objects
• Paper and pen.
• This game can be played individually or as a speed game against another player.
• Grab a handful of objects from each bowl, count how many in each pile and write out an addition or subtraction sentence (remind children that the largest number needs to go first if they are practising subtraction).
• If playing against another player. Both players take a handful, then race each other to write out the addition/subtraction number sentence. 

8.  Addition game: ‘pig’

This is a simple KS1 maths game for practising mental addition skills.

• The first player roles the dice and if the dice lands on a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 , they can either record the number and let the other player have a turn, or throw again to try and increase the total.
• The aim of the game is to be the first player to reach 100, by throwing a dice and adding to the total each time.
• If a 1 is thrown at any stage, the player loses all the points for that round and score zero.
• The game can also be played with 2 dice, with players adding the totals of both dice each time. If at any stage, they thow two ones, then not only do they lose any points from that round, but they lose all the points gained in the game so far.

Maths games for year 2

In year 2, children are expected to read and write numbers to 100 and recognise the place value of each digit in a 2-digit number. Children will continue to build upon the addition and subtraction skills gained in year 1 and build on their understanding of basic fractions. For our games in this section, we’ll be focusing on place value, basic addition/subtraction and simple fractions.

9.  Place value two digit number game: in the bucket

In year 2, children are expected to identify and recognise each digit in a 2-digit number. This game is great for helping children to understand place value.

• 2 or more players.
• 2 boxes or buckets
• A selection of 2-digit number cards from 10 to 99
• Player one takes a 2-digit number card
• The aim of the game is to use bean bags to make that 2-digit number.
• The 2 boxes/buckets represent the tens and the ones. Children need to try and get the correct number of beanbags into each box, to represent the tens and the ones.
• If the card selected has 54 on it, the player needs to attempt to get 5 bean bags in the ‘tens’ box and 4 bean bags in the ‘ones’ box.
• Players score a point if they get the bean bags into the correct boxes.
• This game can also be played as a relay race with 2 teams competing against each other.

This video shows an example of how this game can be played at KS2 for numbers greater than two digits. Please note that for KS1 this game would only require 2 buckets as you would only be working with 2-digit numbers.

10.  Addition maths game: skunk

This is another great KS1 maths game for practising addition skills, whilst getting children to think about the best strategy.

• Write the word skunk and separate each letter into a different column on a sheet of paper. Each letter of the word ‘skunk’ represents a different round of the game. 
• The first player rolls a pair of dice and works out the total of the two dice. The score is written in the S column. If they roll a one they score zero.
• Once they have their first score under the letter ‘S’, they have to make the decision to either stop and take that score as their score for the game, or roll again and hope they score even more to add to the first round score.
• If they roll a one in the second round, play stops and the player takes the score from the first round as their total for the game. The risk a player takes in moving on and throwing again, is if two ones are thrown, all the points for the game are wiped and the player scores zero. 

This KS1 maths game is great for practising addition of numbers up to 20. The speed element helps children work on their fluency.

• One or more players
• Post it notes with the numbers 0-20
• A large circle (this can be a hoop or a circle draw on paper)
• Put the circle in the middle and place the post-its around the outside.
• This is a speed game in which players need to match the pairs of post-it notes which equal 20 and stick them in the circle.
• Time the player to see how quickly they can make all the pairs. This is then either the target time for the other player, or their own target time, if they are playing alone.

12.  Maths fluency game: maths fact top it

This is another good KS1 maths game for building fluency of addition and subtraction facts. 

• A set of maths fact flash cards which you can create yourself based on children’s prior knowledge of addition or subtraction up to 20 Eg. 7 + 5, 9 + 6, 2 + 11
• Players divide up all the maths fact cards and hold in their hands. On the count of 3, each player throws down one card.
• The card with the highest total wins all the cards. If 2 players have the same answer, they play each other again.
• The winner is last player left in, once all the others have lost all their cards.

13.  Addition and subtraction game: guess my number

In this game, children use information available to them to work out their mystery number. This is a fun way to practise missing number addition and subtraction.

• 3 players – 2 playing and 1 leading
• A set of 1-10 digit cards
• Lay the 10 cards face down on the table.
• Each player selects a card and without looking at it, holds it to their forehead, so the other player can see it.
• The child chosen to lead the game calls out a statement about the 2 cards, such as ‘the 2 numbers added together equal…’ 
• Each child has to look at their partner’s card to work out what their own number must be.
• The winner is the first one to call out the correct number.

14.  Shapes game: what shape am I?

In year 2, children learn to identify and describe the properties of 2D shapes and 3D shapes. This game is good for practising this and can be played as either a 2D or a 3D shape game.

What you will need to play?

• Pictures of 2D or 3D shapes for children who need them.
• Each player chooses a shape and writes 5 statements about their shape. 
• The aim of the game is to be the person who asks the least number of questions to work out the other player’s shape.
• Players need to make their first statements vague, to encourage the other player to ask more questions. E.g. ‘My shape is 2D’, ‘my shape has 3 sides’, ‘my shape has 6 faces’ etc.. 
• After a player receives a statement on the mystery shape, they can choose to make a guess, or ask for another statement. If they guess correctly after the first statement, they get the full 5 points. If they guess after two statements, they get 4 points, and so on…
• If they make a guess and it is incorrect, they receive 0 points for that round.
• The aim of the game is to be the player with the most points at the end of the game.

15.  Maths dice game: ten sided dice rounding game

This simple Ks1 maths game helps children to understand the concept of rounding up and down.

• A 10-sided dice
• Players take it in turns to throw the 10-sided dice.
• One player has the rounding down numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 (which represents 0). The other player has the round up numbers 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
• Take it in turns to throw the dice. If it lands on one of the rounding down numbers, that player scores a point. If it lands on one of the rounding up numbers, the other player scores a point.

16.  Maths fractions game: snap

In year 2, children learn to recognise the fractions 1/3, 1/4, 1/2,  2/4 and 3/4. This game is a fun way of practising this.

• A set of fraction cards (see downloadable resource pack)

• Shuffle the cards and share out between the 2 players.
• Each player places their pile of cards face down on the table.
• Players take it in turns to turn over a card. If 2 consecutive cards have a matching fraction and picture, the first player to put their hand on the pile and shout ‘snap’ wins all the cards.
• Players then begin again. The winner is the last person to lose all their cards.

More useful year 2 resources: Year 2 Curriculum Toolkit

Mental maths games KS1 

Mental maths games are great for building fluency. Many of these games need minimal or no resources and are quick and easy to set up. They can be played at any point during the maths lesson, or as a filler activity at any point in the school day.

17.  Addition war

By the end of KS1, children should be able to use and recall addition and subtraction facts to 20. This game is a fun way of practising this skill, with the speed element enabling children to work on fluency.

• A set of playing cards with the picture cards removed (Ace is worth 1)

• Share between the 2 players, so they make 2 piles, face down on the table.
• At the same time, both players turn over a card from their pile and place it in the middle of the table.
• The aim of the game is to add both numbers together and be the first to call out the answer.
• The first person to call out the correct answer gets to keep the cards.
• The winner at the end of the game, is the person who has collected the most cards.

18.  Times tables game bang bang

This is a fun KS1 maths game for practising times tables (in this case the 5 times table). It can be adapted to suit other times tables or mental maths skills, such as addition and subtraction of numbers to 20 or number bonds to 10 or to 20.

• 2 players at a time, but a whole class game.
• 2 players stand at the front of the classroom back to back, cowboy shootout style.
• The teacher, or the game leader calls out a number. Players have to work out how many groups of 5 are needed to make that number. For example, if the teacher calls out ‘40’, the players need to call out 8 as there are 8 groups of 5s in 40; 8 x 5 = 40
• The first player to turn, face their opponent, shout ‘bang bang’ and give the answer wins the round.
• Another member of the class then comes out to the front as ‘the challenger’.
• The winner is the last person standing once time runs out. 

19.  Maths, paper, scissors

This is a KS1 maths game that requires no set-up and is great for building fluency with addition and subtraction facts.

• 2 players 
• Both players stand facing each other.
• Similar to the traditional game of ‘paper, scissors, stone’, players hold one hand out in front but this time call out ‘maths, paper, scissors’. On ‘scissors’, they hold out any number of fingers.
• Players then have to race to add together the number of fingers they are holding out to the number of fingers the other player is holding out.
• The winner is the first player to call out the total.
• This can be adapted by having both children using 2 hands, to make larger numbers. 
• The game can also be played as a subtraction game, subtracting the smallest from the biggest number.

20.  The yes / no mental maths game

This is another quick and easy KS1 maths game to set up and can again be played at any time, when there’s a spare few minutes. 

What you need to play:

• 2 or more players. 
• One player thinks of a number between 0 and 20.
• The aim for the other player (or the rest of the class, if playing as a whole class) is to ask questions to work out the number.
• The questions can only have the answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
• For example, the number could be ‘16’. Children can ask questions such as, ‘is it an even number?’, ‘is it greater than 10?’ ‘Is it less than 18?’ 
• The winner is the player to have worked out the mystery number with the fewest number of questions asked. 

21.  Number bond bingo

This is another fun KS1 mental maths game which gets children practising number bonds to 10 and to 20. It is a good game for playing as a whole class.

• 3 or more players (can be played as a whole class)
• A piece of paper and pen for each player
• Choose one person to be the leader of the game. In a whole class situation, this could be the teacher.
• Children write down 5 numbers (under 10 if practising number bonds to 10, or under 20 if pracising number bonds to 20)
• The leader of the game then calls out numbers (under 10 or under 20). 
• If a number is called out and players have the number which will make it a number bond to 10 or to 20, they cross out that number. E.g: If the teacher calls out ‘7’ and player with the number ‘3’ on their board can cross it out, or ‘13’ if they are playing number bonds to 20.
• The winner is the first person to cross out all their numbers and shout ‘bingo’ 

22.  Target 50

This is another KS1 mental maths game which is quick and easy to set up and great for practising addition fact fluency.

• 2 or more players (can be played as a whole class)
• A dice 
• Pen and paper
• Split the class into 2 teams
• The teacher rolls the dice (this can be a digital dice online) and team 1 adds up the numbers thrown. The teacher continues rolling until either a ‘1’ is thrown or until the teams tells them to ‘bank’ the total so far.
• The first team to reach 50 is the winning team.

More mental maths resources

• 33 Mental Maths Strategies Every Child Should Know
• Nail Your Number Facts
• What Are Number Bonds?

Problem solving games KS1 

Problem solving games are a great way for children to deepen their mathematical understanding. These games require children to think strategically and to approach problems in different ways. 

23.  Addition turnover

This KS1 maths game is great for developing addition skills, whilst encouraging children to think strategically.

• 1 or 2 players
• A pack of cards (2 – 10 cards only)
• This game can be played individually or against a partner.
• Shuffle the cards and lay 18 cards out in front, at 3 rows of 6.
• Throw 2 dice and add the numbers together.
• Turn over the playing cards to match the total on the dice. For example, if a 5 and 4 are thrown, the player needs to turn over cards which total 9. This could be 1 or more cards.
• The other player then does the same.
• The aim of the game is to be the player with the most cards once all the cards have been cleared.
• Players need to think tactically when playing, using the combination of cards which enables them to remove the most cards in one go.

24.  Number 4 in a row

This KS1 problem solving game enables children to practise their addition and subtraction skills and encourages them to think tactically, not only about their own counters but also about those of their partner’s

• A 6 by 6 grid containing the numbers 2 to 12 (see downloadable resource pack)

• The first player throws the 2 dice and adds the 2 numbers together. They then place a counter or colour in a square containing that number.
• The 2 nd  player does the same, placing a different coloured counter on the grid, or colouring in with a different colour.
• The aim of the game is to be the first player to cover 4 squares in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally).
• Children aren’t only thinking about how to make a line of 4 themselves. They also need to think about blocking the other player from making a row of 4.

Looking for more fun games to boost pupils’ learning? Look out for our top 25 maths games you can do at home, 26 KS2 maths games as well as our favourite times tables games and place value games .

Hopefully this blog has given you some ideas for games you could play in your classroom. Most are easy to adapt, to suit any age or the topic you are covering. Don’t just adapt the maths games yourself. Give children the opportunity to adapt and think up their own rules too.

Download your free KS1 Maths Games Printable Resource Pack here!

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Year 1 Maths Worksheets UK Hub Page

Welcome to our Year 1 Maths Worksheets hub page.

In our Year 1 area, you will find a wide range of free Year 1 Maths Activities and worksheets for your child to enjoy.

Take a look at our addition coloring pages, or maybe some of our shape worksheets. Perhaps you would prefer our kindergarten counting games, or our counting worksheets?

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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 1 Maths Learning

Here are some of the key learning objectives for the end of Year 1:

• count to 100 forwards and backwards in ones
• read and write numbers to 100 in numerals
• find one more or one less
• compare numbers up to 100
• use ordinal numbers 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ...
• place missing numbers on a number line
• add and subtract single-digit numbers up to 10
• use number bonds and related subtraction facts within 10
• solve simple 1-step problems involving addition and subtraction to 10
• count in 10s
• add equal groups
• make arrays
• make equal groups by grouping and sharing
• recognise and find a half of shapes and sets of objects up to 20
• recognise and find a quarter of shapes and sets of objects up to 20
• measure and compare lengths
• measure and compare mass and capacity
• recognise coins and notes
• count coins in groups: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p
• use language 'before' and 'after'
• learn days of the week and months of the year
• tell the time: o'clock and half-past
• compare times
• recognise and name 2D and 3D shapes
• describe position and turns

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 1 is generally equivalent to Kindergarten in the US.

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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!

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Place Value, Counting & Number Sense Zone

Writing numbers.

These sheets will help your child learn to write and form the numbers from 1 to 20 correctly.

There is also a counting challenge on each sheet which involve shading the correct number of objects.

• Writing numbers 1 to 10
• Writing numbers 11 to 20

Count and Write Numbers to 10

The sheets here are counting sheets which involve counting animals and vehicles up to 10.

There is a selection of reference sheets for using in the classroom, or sending home to parents.

There are also some color-in sheets for counting and coloring up to 10 animals or vehicles.

These sheets are a perfect way to start kindergarten kids off with their learning.

• Numbers to 10 Counting and Coloring

Year 1 Counting Objects Worksheets

• Math Worksheets Kindergarten - Matching to 10
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This page is all about ordinal numbers: first, second, third, etc.

There are a range of worksheets to help your child understanding how to use ordinal numbers.

Dot-to-Dot Worksheets

Here you will find a range of Kindergarten Dot-to-Dot Worksheets.

Using these sheets will help your child to:

• read numbers up to 60;
• count up to 60.
• Dot to Dot up to 10
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• Hard dot to dot 50+

Counting One More & One Less Worksheets

After your child has learnt to count objects up to 10 and write their numbers, they are ready to start counting one more and one less.

Most of the sheets focus on counting up to 10. There are also some worksheets that go up to 25.

• Counting One More Worksheets
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Year 1 Comparing Worksheets

These year 1 maths worksheets will help your child to compare and start to order different things.

• understand the concept of most, least, biggest, smallest;
• count up to 10 objects;
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• compare numbers up to 20.
• Comparing size and numbers up to 6
• Comparing Numbers Worksheets to 10

Year 1 Sequencing Worksheets

These year 1 maths worksheets will help your child learn to count on and back in ones, and put numbers up to 25 in the correct place in their sequence.

Useing these sheets will help you child to:

• recognise number, letter and picture patterns;
• count on and back in ones to 25;
• sequence numbers to 25.
• Patterns and Sequences
• Kindergarten Counting Worksheets - Sequences to 15
• Kindergarten Counting Worksheets -Sequencing to 25

Year 1 Number Worksheets

The following worksheets involve different Kindergarten Math activities such as counting, coloring and learning to write numbers.

• read and write numbers up to 25;
• compare numbers to 10.
• Kindergarten Number Worksheets
• Hundred Number Charts (100 Squares)

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Year 1 Addition and Subtraction Worksheetss

Here you will find a range of Kindergarten Addition and Subtraction Worksheets.

The following worksheets involve adding and subtracting to 10.

• Addition Sentences to 10
• Addition Math Worksheets to 10
• Kindergarten Subtraction Worksheets (easier)
• Subtraction to 10 Worksheets (harder)
• Addition Subtraction to 5
• Addition Subtraction to 10 Coloring Sheets
• Addition and Subtraction Worksheets to 10

Kindergarten Shape Worksheets

These kindergarten math worksheets explore squares, rectangles, circles and triangles, and also matching identical shapes.

There are also some shape tracing worksheets to help your child learn to name 2d shapes and practice tracing them to improved their fine motor skills.

• Free Shape Worksheets Kindergarten
• Shape Tracing Worksheets

Measurement Zone, including Money

Year 1 measuring length sheets.

The Year 1 maths worksheets on this webpage are all about measuring length in inches and centimeters.

There are two different easy activities. The first activity is to write down the number on the ruler pointed to by an arrow. The second activity involves writing down the correct measurement for the length of a line - a ruler has been correctly positioned underneath.

• Measuring Length Worksheets for Kindergarten

Kindergarten Money Worksheets - Recognising coins

These Year 1 maths worksheets are all about recognising and counting coins: 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p.

• Free Counting Money Worksheets UK Coins

Year 1 Count and Graph Worksheets

These sheets involve counting the number of a given object and shading in a square for each one.

Count and graphing is great for developing systematic recording and also for recording data in a bar chart.

• Count and Graph Worksheets

Fun Zone: Puzzles, Games and Riddles

Year 1 counting games.

Here you will find a range of free printable Year 1 Math games to help your child with learning to count.

• Kindergarten Counting Games

Fun Year 1 Maths Activities

The activities include dot-to-dot and coloring pages. The activities have been designed to keep your child motivated and engaged whilst learning their Math facts at the same time.

• count up to 25;
• understand place value to 25.
• Kindergarten Math Activities
• Math Coloring Pages

Year 1 Math Printables

The resources on this page have all been specially designed for Kindergarten kids to use as visual aids or table top support pages.

There are a wide variety of printables including number lines, number squares and math mats.

• Kindergarten Maths Printables

Other UK Maths Worksheet pages

See below for our other maths worksheets hub pages designed for children in the UK.

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Reasoning/Problem Solving Maths Worksheets for Year 1 (age 5-6)

Reasoning about number, sorting and counting.

To build on the work done in Early Years children need to sort groups in various ways before counting the objects within the groups.

Counting a variety of things.

Sorting and counting activities.

Sorting and counting activities (3)

How many flowers, balls etc can you see in the picture?

How many boats, trains, bikes and buses can you see in the picture?

Looking for similarities in groups of sorted objects.

Explaining the criteria for sorting into groups - there may be more than one possible answer.

Guess how many objects and then count to see how accurate you are!

Sorting a variety of fruit into groups.

Sorting a variety of objects into groups.

Explaining answers: counting forwards and backwards.

Making number sentences and using number cards

Children will be asked to find different ways of making numbers using addition and subtraction. Number cards are an excellent resource in the classroom for this type of activity.

Use number cards to find different ways of making 3.

How many ways can you make 4 using the cards shown?

How many ways can you make 5 using the numbers and signs?

Use number cards to find different ways of making 6.

How many ways can you make 8 using the numbers on the cards?

How many ways can you add 2 numbers to make 7?

Use cards to make numbers.

Use cards to make numbers, including zero.

Reasoning about money

Using coins is a great way to explore different ways of making amounts. The later pages on shopping require logical thinking and children should be able to explain verbally or on paper how they reached their answers.

How many ways can you pay 8p?

What coins could you use to buy the ragdoll?

What shapes can you buy for 10p? Costs according to the number of sides the shape has.

Solving 2-step problems with money up to 10p.

2-step money problems.

More shopping: 2-step problems with whole pounds.

Simple reasoning with small amounts of money.

Reasoning skills with small amounts of money.

Reasoning about addition and subtraction

Plenty of opportunity to select numbers and add and subtract to reach totals. Finding all the possible combinations can be an important part of these activities.

A first look at word problems needing addition or subtraction to solve.

More problem solving where addition or subtraction is needed.

Sharks know that there's more than one way to catch a fish. And there's usually lots of ways to make a total by adding two numbers.

'How many ways?' investigation using 7, 8 and 9.

How many different answers can you get?

Three darts to score on the board. Good adding up revision.

A little age problem.

Make subtraction sentences using the numbers around the hexagon.

Put the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 onto the grid so that both lines add up to the same total. How many ways?

Can you put the numbers in the circles so that each side of the triangle adds up to 9?

Pick three numbers from those shown and add them. How many different additions can you find?

Completing missing symbols in number sentences.

Completing number sentences using more and less than.

Completing simple number patterns.

More reasoning activities

More activities to challenge children’s reasoning and logical thinking. Plenty of, 'How many ways ....' activities.

Find how many cubes can be held in one hand and record data collected in a table.

How many different ways can the ice lolly be coloured, using just two colours?

How many different ways can you put the cubes in the boxes?

How many rectangles can be made?

How many ways can the 9 tiles be put together to make a square?

How many ways can I join 4 triangles to make other shapes?

Make four 2-digit numbers from just two 1-digit numbers.

Put the numbers into the grid so that there is always a difference of more than one.

Find and describe routes to the bus stop.

How many numbers can you make with 6 beads on the abacus?

How many different routes are there from head to tail? Great logical thinking challenge.

Fun counting challenge which encourages logical thinking.

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Hamilton provide an extensive suite of problem-solving maths investigations for Year 1 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 1 .

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 1:

• Individually, they are incorporated into every unit in our Year 1 flexible maths blocks .
• Collectively, they appear on our resources page where you can explore all our in-depth problem solving investigations for Year 1 .

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.

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Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, 5 problem-solving activities for the classroom.

Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to get students prepped and ready to solve real problems in real life scenarios. Whether in school, work or in their social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and then prepare a workable solution is one of the most valuable skills one can acquire in life.

Educating your students about problem solving skills from an early age in school can be facilitated through classroom problem solving activities. Such endeavors encourage cognitive as well as social development, and can equip students with the tools they’ll need to address and solve problems throughout the rest of their lives. Here are five classroom problem solving activities your students are sure to benefit from as well as enjoy doing:

1. Brainstorm bonanza

Having your students create lists related to whatever you are currently studying can be a great way to help them to enrich their understanding of a topic while learning to problem-solve. For example, if you are studying a historical, current or fictional event that did not turn out favorably, have your students brainstorm ways that the protagonist or participants could have created a different, more positive outcome. They can brainstorm on paper individually or on a chalkboard or white board in front of the class.

2. Problem-solving as a group

Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box “The Problem-Solving Box.” Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can’t seem to figure out on their own. Once or twice a week, have a student draw one of the items from the box and read it aloud. Then have the class as a group figure out the ideal way the student can address the issue and hopefully solve it.

3. Clue me in

This fun detective game encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and cognitive development. Collect a number of items that are associated with a specific profession, social trend, place, public figure, historical event, animal, etc. Assemble actual items (or pictures of items) that are commonly associated with the target answer. Place them all in a bag (five-10 clues should be sufficient.) Then have a student reach into the bag and one by one pull out clues. Choose a minimum number of clues they must draw out before making their first guess (two- three). After this, the student must venture a guess after each clue pulled until they guess correctly. See how quickly the student is able to solve the riddle.

4. Survivor scenarios

Create a pretend scenario for students that requires them to think creatively to make it through. An example might be getting stranded on an island, knowing that help will not arrive for three days. The group has a limited amount of food and water and must create shelter from items around the island. Encourage working together as a group and hearing out every child that has an idea about how to make it through the three days as safely and comfortably as possible.

5. Moral dilemma

Create a number of possible moral dilemmas your students might encounter in life, write them down, and place each item folded up in a bowl or bag. Some of the items might include things like, “I saw a good friend of mine shoplifting. What should I do?” or “The cashier gave me an extra $1.50 in change after I bought candy at the store. What should I do?” Have each student draw an item from the bag one by one, read it aloud, then tell the class their answer on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

Classroom problem solving activities need not be dull and routine. Ideally, the problem solving activities you give your students will engage their senses and be genuinely fun to do. The activities and lessons learned will leave an impression on each child, increasing the likelihood that they will take the lesson forward into their everyday lives.

You may also like to read

• Classroom Activities for Introverted Students
• Activities for Teaching Tolerance in the Classroom
• 5 Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary Classrooms
• 10 Ways to Motivate Students Outside the Classroom
• Motivating Introverted Students to Excel in the Classroom
• How to Engage Gifted and Talented Students in the Classroom

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Properties of Shapes KS1

This collection is one of our Primary Curriculum collections - tasks that are grouped by topic.

Let's Investigate Triangles

Vincent and Tara are making triangles with the class construction set. They have a pile of strips of different lengths. How many different triangles can they make?

Three Squares

What is the greatest number of squares you can make by overlapping three squares?

Colouring Triangles

Explore ways of colouring this set of triangles. Can you make symmetrical patterns?

Chain of Changes

Arrange the shapes in a line so that you change either colour or shape in the next piece along. Can you find several ways to start with a blue triangle and end with a red circle?

Cubes Cut Into Four Pieces

Eight children each had a cube made from modelling clay. They cut them into four pieces which were all exactly the same shape and size. Whose pieces are the same? Can you decide who made each set?

Building with Solid Shapes

We have a box of cubes, triangular prisms, cones, cuboids, cylinders and tetrahedrons. Which of the buildings would fall down if we tried to make them?

Skeleton Shapes

How many balls of modelling clay and how many straws does it take to make these skeleton shapes?

Shadow Play

Here are shadows of some 3D shapes. What shapes could have made them?

Complete the Square

Complete the squares - but be warned some are trickier than they look!

Matching Triangles

Can you sort these triangles into three different families and explain how you did it?

Inside Triangles

How many different triangles can you draw on the dotty grid which each have one dot in the middle?

What does the overlap of these two shapes look like? Try picturing it in your head and then use some cut-out shapes to test your prediction.

Can you each work out what shape you have part of on your card? What will the rest of it look like?

Exploded Squares

This practical activity challenges you to create symmetrical designs by cutting a square into strips.

Shapely Lines

This challenge invites you to create your own picture using just straight lines. Can you identify shapes with the same number of sides and decorate them in the same way?

Poly Plug Rectangles

The computer has made a rectangle and will tell you the number of spots it uses in total. Can you find out where the rectangle is?

Data Shapes

Sara and Will were sorting some pictures of shapes on cards. "I'll collect the circles," said Sara. "I'll take the red ones," answered Will. Can you see any cards they would both want?

What's Happening?

Shapes are added to other shapes. Can you see what is happening? What is the rule?

Exploring 2D Shapes

In this task, children will make shapes out of loops of string and discuss what they notice about their shapes.

Making Footprints

In this activity, children will develop an awareness of the faces of 3D shapes by using them to make 'footprints' in soft dough.

Making a Picture

This task provides an opportunity for children to work together to make a picture, discussing with each other which position they want to put each shape in.

Building Towers

In this task, children will explore 3D shapes when selecting which shapes to use in their tower.

Shapes in the Bag

In this task, children put their hands into a bag and describe what shape they think they can feel and why.

Paper Patchwork 1

Can you work out what shape is made when this piece of paper is folded up using the crease pattern shown?

Paper Patchwork 2

Have a go at making a few of these shapes from paper in different sizes. What patterns can you create?

Paper Partners

Can you describe a piece of paper clearly enough for your partner to know which piece it is?

Always, Sometimes or Never? KS1

Are these statements relating to calculation and properties of shapes always true, sometimes true or never true?

Triangle or No Triangle?

Here is a selection of different shapes. Can you work out which ones are triangles, and why?

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Reasoning and Problem Solving Questions Collection - KS1 and KS2

Subject: Mathematics

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

10 March 2023

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These booklets each contain over 40 reasoning and problem solving questions suitable for KS1, KS2 and KS3 classes. These are the questions that we have been putting out each day in March 2016 on Twitter in the run up to SATS.

The answers are provided with some simple notes at the back of the booklet and for some problems supplementary questions and variation has been provided.

As always we welcome any feedback on the work we are doing and the materials that we are releasing. Thank you for taking an interest in our work. The White Rose Maths Hub Team

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We are pleased to let you know that your resource Reasoning and Problem Solving Questions Collection - KS1 and KS2, has been hand-picked by the Tes resources content team to be featured in https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/blog/fluency-reasoning-and-problem-solving-primary-maths in April 2024 on https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/blog. Congratulations on your resource being chosen and thank you for your ongoing contributions to the Tes Resources marketplace.

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Discovery Play with Littles

2:01 pm ·

15 Powerful Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I looked over to her table and she’s crying. Again. While everyone else is happily working away, she sat there, unable to move, just crying. 

Not asking for help.

Not trying to solve her problem.

Just crying.

I took a deep breath before heading over. We’ve already been at this for several months…isn’t it about time the problem-solving has kicked in yet?

One glance and I could tell what her problem was. She didn’t have her pencil.

Know how I knew?

It laid on the floor beside her. In plain sight.

As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t jump right in and solve problems for kids. It’s good for them to try to solve the problem themselves. This is something she struggled with. 

I reminded myself of the need for patience and empathy as I walked up to her. “What’s wrong, Amanda?” 

“I…can’t…find…my…pencil….” she sputtered out between sobs. 

“Ok, that’s a problem we can solve. What have you tried?” 

“I don’t know.” 

After a long time trying to first, calm her down, and second, come up with some strategies she could try, she finally found her pencil. At that point, everyone else had finished the project. 

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of finding a solution to your problem . This can be quite tricky for some young children, especially those with little experience in finding more than one way to solve a problem.

Why is Problem Solving Important? 

Problem-solving skills are used throughout childhood into adulthood. As adults, we solve problems on a daily basis. Some problems we solve without thinking much- I wanted to make tacos for dinner but forgot to buy the ground beef. What are we going to have for dinner now?

Other problems are significantly more complicated. 

Problems for kiddos can be problems with friendships, the inability to find something that’s needed, or even what to do when things don’t go your way. 

Kids who lack problem-solving skills struggle to maintain friendships or even begin to attempt to solve their own problems. 

Children who lack problem-solving skills are at a higher risk for depression as well.

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are:

• Breaking Down a Problem into Smaller Parts
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Logical Reasoning
• Perseverance

That’s a big list to teach toddlers and preschoolers. Where do you begin?

The Problem-Solving Steps

Sometimes kids are so overwhelmed with frustration that it affects their ability to solve problems.

Kids feel safe in routines, and routines help them learn and grow. After a few times of repeating this routine, you’ll find your kiddo starts to do this on their own. 

It’s important not to skip straight to solving the problem , because your kiddo needs to be in a calm state of mind to solve the problem, and also they need to know their feelings are valid. 

• The first thing to do when your kiddo is struggling with problem-solving is to validate their emotions.

In doing this, they will feel more understood and learn that their emotions are okay. There are no bad feelings, and we must learn how to manage our emotions. 

This might sound something like “Oh, I can see you are really frustrated that the block won’t fit on there right. Let’s take some deep breaths to help us calm down before we think about what to do next.”

• Next, work through your calm-down process . This may be taking some deep breaths together, hugging a stuffie, or giving your kiddo some quiet time to calm down their heart and mind.
• Identify the problem . This sounds like something you may have already done (before the meltdown) but it’s important to be very clear on the problem you’re solving. Have the child tell you their problem out loud.
• Move on to solution-finding . When your kiddo is ready, talk about what the problem is and three possible solutions. When possible, let your kiddo do all of the talking. This allows him to practice his problem-solving skills. It’s important to remind him that the first thing he tries may not work, and that’s ok. There’s always another way to solve the problem. If he’s prepared for this, solutions that don’t work won’t be such a frustrating experience. 
• After you’ve done that, test your solutions one by one. See what works. If you haven’t found a solution yet, go back and think of different ways you might be able to solve your problem and try again.

Are you tired of hearing “It’s TOO HARD!” followed by a meltdown?

Using this one simple phrase you’ll get in this powerful lesson, you’ll not only be able to help your kiddo not give up but you’ll:

>Activate their superpower of perseverance so that they can turn around a meltdown and keep trying

>Inspire them to use perseverance …even when it’s hard

>Teach them to recognize the warning signs of giving up , and how to turn it around by taking control of their choices.

Grab your powerful FREE video lesson to teach your kiddo one of the most powerful keys to perseverance.

Powerful Activities that Teach Problem-Solving Skills to Toddlers & Preschoolers

These activities below may look simple, but don’t let that deter you from trying them. A lot happens in little developing brains and these powerful activities help toddlers and preschoolers make connections and develop {many} essential skills-more than just problem-solving.

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Puzzles are fun and a great way to encourage cognitive development in children. They are great for spacial reasoning and strengthening problem-solving skills. They also develop memory skills, critical thinking, and the ability to plan and execute the plan. Toddlers will enjoy the simple puzzles, and preschoolers will do great with floor puzzles with larger puzzle pieces.

Doing Simple Chores

Doing simple chores is a great way to teach children problem-solving skills, and it strengthens responsibility and perseverance as well. 

During the toddler years , you may start with just picking up their toys, or helping you put their dirty clothes in the hamper. 

Preschoolers can take their dirty dishes to the sink (or load them in the dishwasher), collect the trash, dust, wipe baseboards, and do their own personal care items like making their bed, taking care of their dirty clothes, and putting clean clothes away.

Stacking Rings

When watching a toddler play with stacking rings it doesn’t look like much is happening, but playing with these toys is full of ways to encourage development. It helps with visual and spacial perception and planning ahead, but it also with balance control, crossing the midline, creative play, and gross motor skills. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to practice problem-solving. 

Playing Hide-and-Seek

Hide and seek has many surprising benefits for kids. Playing hide and seek is like a treasure hunt that helps develop gross motor skills and encourages physical development, as well as problem-solving skills. It also helps young children develop visual tracking, working memory, and social-emotional skills.

Imaginative Play

Imaginative play (also called role-play) builds important skills. Through pretending to be in different situations, kids develop social skills, emotional skills, better communication, and problem-solving skills. Imaginative play is a great idea for young toddlers all the way to older children.

Free Play 

Many young children don’t have {enough} time for free play. Free play is important for healthy brain development , not only developing imagination, cooperation, physical skills, and independence but also providing a great opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

Playing with Wooden Blocks

Building blocks are a fun way for children to develop creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and if working with others, cooperation, communication, and friendship.

Playing Memory

Memory games improve attention, focus, visual recognition, and concentration. It helps children recognize details and of course, strengthens problem-solving skills. 

Ask Questions

When I see my son struggling with something, my first instinct is to give him choices or at least lead him in the right direction. The better thing to do is to ask very open-ended questions that lead his process, not his thoughts.

Questions like “What’s one way to solve your problem?” are much more effective in teaching problem-solving skills than “Well, where did you last see your stuffy?” 

Read Books and Social Stories

Reading books is one of my favorite ways to teach any skill. It’s extremely effective at teaching, and it’s also an amazing bonding time with kids.

When we read stories, our brain reacts as if we’re living in the story. This is why reading books about skills such as problem-solving is so effective. 

Kids of all ages learn from the people they love . (Yes, even those older kids who you don’t think are paying attention.) Often as adults, we’re too busy going through our daily routine to think about talking about the way we solved the problem at work that day.

Talking about how you use skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and integrity is a great way to set an example, and an expectation that this is how we do things, and it will provide encouragement for your kiddo to do the same.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a great group activity that can strengthen your child’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When Your Kiddo is Ready, Add These Activities

Preschoolers would benefit from all of the fun activities on the list above and when they’re ready, feel free to add in the following activities.   

Mazes are great for problem-solving and perseverance, but your kiddo will need to have decent fine motor skills to do these activities. Mazes are one of our favorite activities. We love to take our activity book of mazes in the car with us for road trips. 

Board Games  

Board games are a good way to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, planning skills, patience, sportsmanship, and communication skills. They also strengthen family relationships by providing some intentional time of connection .

Any board game can also be turned into an academic game with just a deck of cards for whatever skill you’re working on. If you’re working on the alphabet, put one letter on each card. Before each player’s turn, they draw a letter card and say the letter’s name. (You may accidentally forget the name of a letter every now and then to see if your kiddo is really paying attention!) 

Allow Opportunities for Hands-On Investigations

Kids are tactile. They love to touch and explore things with their hands. This is a good activity for toddlers also, as long as they are out of the putting everything in their mouth stage. Hands-on exploration is great for language development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving.

Allowing kids to investigate with their hands allows them to see how the world works up close. It also gives them time and space to try to make things work…and problem-solve when it doesn’t go as they think it should.

The Most Difficult Way (and Most Important Way) To Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills

Watching our kids struggle is hard ! We don’t want to see them having a hard time…and most of the time we don’t want to deal with the impending meltdown. Standing back and giving our kids time and space to work through even simple problems is hard to do. It’s also the most important way to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

As parents, we’re like frogs in boiling water. When our kids are infants, they need us to recognize their needs and solve them immediately. As they get older, they can point to what they want, but we still have a lot of interpreting and problem-solving to do on our own. If we aren’t careful, we stay in this stage and don’t teach our kiddos the steps to problem-solving for themselves. 

The next most difficult thing? Allowing natural consequences to happen. (As long as your child is safe of course.) If your child saves their money for a long time to buy a new toy, but walks down the toy aisle and picks up something you know they’ll be disappointed with, let it happen. It will teach a valuable lesson that will last for years to come.

Another Essential Part of Problem-Solving

Perseverance is a big part of problem-solving. We are rarely able to solve problems the first time, and it’s essential that kids can find more than one solution to a problem. Studies have found that perseverance is actually the biggest predictor of success, even more than aptitude or raw talent. 

An entire module is dedicated to perseverance in our course for kids, Super Kid Adventures . Your kiddo will get 25 teacher-led lessons on character traits (perseverance, empathy, friendship, responsibility, and wellness) and activities that take their learning further. 

Want a free preview? Grab a FREE Perseverance video lesson that teaches your kiddo one of the most important secrets that help them use perseverance.

Want More? 

If you like this, you’ll love: 

The Ultimate List of Books that Teach Perseverance

7 Simple Ways to Encourage Independence in Young Children

How to Help Your Child Develop Self-Help Skills

Your Turn 

What are your favorite ways to teach problem-solving skills?

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a mama of two boys, a former teacher, and the founder of Discovery Play with Littles. Her mission is to make raising kids with character simple and fun. Join us for our best learning through play ideas, character growth activities, and family connection ideas so you can watch your child thrive.

Reader Interactions

As a SLP trying to guide parents as I work with their child. I would like to know what toys to recommend to my parents as I assist in guiding their child’s development in cognition and expressive language.

Perseverance is the biggest predictor of success, even more than raw talent or aptitude.

Grab a FREE lesson to teach your kiddo one of the keys to perseverance...which is how we talk to our brains.

They'll learn what to say when they encounter something difficult, and why it's so important.

PLAY is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -Mr. Rogers