Math Hands-On Activities for Problem Solving Number Puzzles Using Number Tiles

This math resource contains hands-on, problem solving activities for grades 4-6 and is online interactive ready. It features number tile math puzzles that provide practice in mental arithmetic, operations with numbers while at the same time encouraging logical reasoning and creativity, all in a game-like setting. Furthermore, they are a powerful tool for teaching students basic addition skills since each row, column, and diagonal must add up to be the same sum.

Number tiles are arranged in such a manner that the sum of the tiles that form each straight line of the number equal the same sum. The designated sum for the number is written on each page as well as the specific number tiles to be used. Most of the ten number puzzles have more than one answer; so, students are challenged to find a variety of solutions.

The activities require that the students use each number tile only once. However, some of the activities will not require the use of all ten tiles; so, reading and following the directions before beginning each Magic Number puzzle is important. Answer recording sheets are provided for the student as well as possible solutions for the teacher. A Number Tile Keeper in addition to a blackline of the number tiles is located at the end of this resource.

These activities may be placed at a table for math practice. Allow the students to choose one of the Magic Number puzzle pages to do as seatwork, to complete at a math center, or to finish when their work is done.

These activities vary in levels of difficulty, so differentiation is easy to do. Because the pages are arranged chronologically and are not in any particular order based on difficulty, the students are free to skip around in the book. Download the preview page to see sample Magic Number puzzles. All of these activities are very suitable for the visual and/or kinesthetic learner.

Your students might also enjoy these number tile math activities:

• Number Tiles Problem Solving Math Activities for Grades 5-8

• Geometric Math Puzzles Using Number Tiles to Learn about Plane Geometry

• Math Grades 4-7 ABC's of Number Tiles Hands-On Problem Solving Activities

You can also purchase a Number Tile Math Bundle to save money:

• Number Tiles Math Bundle 67 Problem Solving Critical Thinking Math Activities