Numeracy fun fairs: Problem solving

Fairground games can provide an exciting opportunity to boost maths skills!

Turning your classroom into a stall at a fair is a great way to introduce your class to a wide range of numeracy themes. For example, a tombola will help children to identify multiples of five and ten, a raffle is great for place value, and a game of skittles can add some fun, and possibly an element of danger, to a lesson on addition. If you like your lessons to be ‘child-led’ then allow your class to plan and hold a fair of their own. This is the perfect way to end a series of fairground-themed maths lessons (see the Sept-Nov ‘09 issues of Child Ed PLUS), encourage teamwork among your class and allow you to observe their problem-solving skills in action.