The Primary Framework for Mathematics is very keen that young children use their mathematical knowledge to solve problems and investigate. This worksheet gives an idea of the kind of work that can be done. Find 3 boxes and 7 counters or buttons. Explore how many different ways that the counters can be put in the boxes. Usually children will begin a task like this in a random way – the better mathematicians will soon begin to work in a more ordered way.
Help by asking questions such as: If there are 4 buttons in box A how many different ways could the rest of the buttons be put into boxes B and C? The options are 3 and 0, 2 and 1, 1 and 2 and 0 and 3.