What to do with this activity?
Please note: It is important to always supervise your child when using matchsticks.
Gaining practice in problem solving is great for school maths, but might also give your child new ways of thinking about other everyday problems.
Usually there is more than one way to solve a matchstick or other type of puzzle. A trial and error method can sometimes solve it. Some people can immediately visualise the solution, and then they work backwards to see how they did it. Get your child to talk out loud about how they are thinking about the puzzle, or to tell you what steps they took if they managed to solve the puzzle quickly.
Here are some great matchstick puzzles (and their solutions if you get stuck). Get a box of small size matches and start the fun.
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Why am I doing this?
Playing is one of the most effective ways children learn. It builds your child’s concentration and thinking skills as well as building their skills in using numbers, seeing patterns and being able to group things together. Playing games with others helps their social skills and gives them a chance to practice things they have heard and seen.
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How can I do more?
Playing games that involve words are great for increasing your child’s vocabulary. Games that involve dices and numbers help with maths and logical reasoning.
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