Problem Solving in Maths
Problem solving is not necessarily just about answering word problems in maths. If a child already has a readily available method to solve this sort of problem, problem solving has not occurred. Problem solving in maths is finding a way to apply knowledge and skills you have to answer unfamiliar types of problems.
Problem solving is interleaved throughout the curriculum and children explore and use a variety of problem-solving skills including:
- Exploring and noticing
- Working backwards
- Working systematically
- Conjecturing and generalising
- Visualising and representing
- Identifying patterns
Alongside problem-solving being taught throughout the curriculum, children participate in monthly open investigations where children have further opportunity to apply their problem-solving skills.
Children use the following ‘Solve it checklist’ posters to support their independence in problem solving. Question prompts, supported by thinking out loud during adult modelling, supports children to show resilience when problem-solving.
EYFS Solve it Checklist KS1 Solve it Checklist KS2 Solve it Checklist
