The Challenge This Code Breaker Challenge is made up of 4 challenge sheets, each containing three sets of questions about addition as well as an instruction section written in code. There is also a final challenge sheet for obtaining the master lock key. The Setup Ideally, the Code Breaker Challenge requires a box which can be locked with four three digit combination locks and one padlock. See the attached picture as an idea for the setup. It could however be done without this, but wouldn’t be quite as fun for the children. How to Use Fill the box with treasure, for example some sweets and then setup the combinations on each of the locks and lock the box with them and the master lock. Split the class up into four teams and provide each team with one of the challenge sheets. Start a timer of approximately 30 minutes (depending on the ability and age of your class). Each team works together to solve the challenge and tell the teacher the three digit code. If they got it correct, they may open their lock. If not, then they will need to check their answers. Once all four combination locks have been opened, or even after the first team has finished, provide the master lock challenge. If they complete it correctly and within the time, they can then have the master lock key to open the treasure box. Great Fun! The children absolutely love the Code Breaker Challenge and we repeat it at the end of every major maths unit. They really need to work together and check their work carefully if they are to succeed in opening the box and retrieving the treasure within. The documents is fully editable so you can use it as a template to create your own challenges if you like. You can also use it for other subjects as well, but it definitely lends itself to maths the most. I hope you and your children enjoy it as much as mine do! This challenge is one in many. Please take a look at my shop for other units. Thank you.

A set of three (fully editable) maths calculation worksheets. Make creating maths calculations easier! Includes light gray lines to show the place values. 8 Simple calculations - Write the calculation in but leave one of the parts blank for the student to complete. Template for 10 maths calculations in the tens. Template for 12 maths calculations in the hundreds and thousands. Extra idea: Project onto the white board to have a set template that is easy to edit on the go.

This is a mass problem which involves determining the masses of various fruit on the pictured scales. Logic, addition and subtraction skills are required to solve the four parts to the challenge. You could use real scales with relative masses to help children grasp the ideas in this. The document is fully editable so you can can change the scale pointers, fruits or questions to create your own new and more challenging problems.

This fun 8-bit styled presentation allows 2 players compete to solve a calculation as quickly as possible. The whole thing is fully editable so you can change the problems to suit your children’s abilities. The idea is to set your own problems (of increasing difficulty), project the presentation onto the white board and then select two children of equal ability to come up and race to solve the problem on the board. Really fun activity for them to do and it allows you to easily identify any problems straight away and then work through it with the whole class. You can also encourage student talk by having the winner explain their working. All in all, a simple but effective way to review and reinforce content. If you like this resource, please kindly leave a review. Thank you.

A selection of 10 different colourful, engaging and fully editable starters for Maths lessons. Mental activities designed to get the children warmed-up and ready for their lesson. A two minute timer is also included on each as well as a (more) link on some slides to easily find new content. The activities included are the 24 Number Game, One in Thirty-six, Countdown, Columns XYZ Challenge, A-Z Speed Maths, Codebreaker, What’s the Question, Riddle me This, Sequence and Secret Pathway. Each starter already has an example in it which is aimed at UKS2 level. However, all the content can easily be changed to suit your children’s abilities. Each fortnight, I take a bit of time to set up the starters and then they are ready to go at the beginning of each lesson for two full weeks. The variety of activities keeps the children engaged and looking forward to the next and I hope your children enjoy it as much as mine do. Please see the previews for a better idea of the content and if you decide to download, please kindly leave a review. Thank you.