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Target Number! One of my favourite maths warm ups of all time is Target Number. This is the perfect activity to turn number practice into a quick, brain-teasing game. It builds fluency, encourages problem-solving, and keeps students engaged. How to Play Choose a two-digit target number and give students five other numbers to work with. Their goal? Use all five numbers exactly once, combining them with any mathematical operations to reach the target. For Example Target Number 10:(5÷5)+8+(2×1)=10(5 ÷ 5) + 8 + (2 × 1) = 10(5÷5)+8+(2×1)=10 Target Number 20:(5×5)−(3+1+1)=20(5 × 5) − (3 + 1 + 1) = 20(5×5)−(3+1+1)=20 Target Number 50:(9×8)−(7+6+9)=50(9 × 8) − (7 + 6 + 9) = 50(9×8)−(7+6+9)=50 Why It's so Good Differentiate tasks by giving smaller numbers to build confidence, or bigger numbers to challenge high-achievers Boosts number fluency when students work through calculations to get the target number Students can reach the target in different ways, so everyone can join in Try Target Number for a quick warm-up, fast-finisher, or whole-class challenge. Students get involved fast and enjoy thinking creatively with numbers!

The Alphabet Key The Alphabet Key is one of Tony Ryan’s Thinker’s Keys, a collection of 20 creative thinking strategies designed to stretch students beyond surface-level responses.  How to Play Choose a maths topic you’re focusing on, for example: fractions, geometry, statistics, or 2D shapes. Working in pairs or small groups, students brainstorm a maths word or idea to match each letter of the alphabet.For example, if the topic is 'Fractions', “N” might be numerator, “D” could be denominator, and “E” might be equivalent fractions. Students don't have to do the entire alphabet, even half-set can kick off lively discussion! More Examples: Angles A = Acute, O = Obtuse, P = Protractor, R = Ray Statistics A = Average, D = Data, M = Median, Mean, Mode, P = Pie graph 2D Shapes C = Circle, E = Equilateral triangle, Q = Quadrilateral Why It’s So Good Sparks prior knowledge and is perfect for the beginning of a unit Improves mathematical vocabulary through recall and use of key terms Encourages students to connect different maths concepts Works with any maths topic, including fractions, geometry, statistics, or algebra An engaging way quickly highlights what students understand and what needs extra support The Alphabet makes maths fun and hands-on. Students explore concepts, practise vocabulary, and make connections. Try this low-prep maths activity get your students excited about maths!

The Answer Key The Answer Key is one of Tony Ryan’s Thinker’s Keys, a collection of 20 creative thinking strategies designed to stretch students beyond surface-level responses.  How It Works The idea is very simple: give the students an answer and challenge them to come up with as many possible questions as they can. For Example Let’s say the answer is 100. Your students might come up with: • What is 10 × 10? • How many centimetres are in a metre? • How many years are in a century? The best thing? There is space for everyone, whether it’s an easy thought or clever twist.  Why It's so Good Works with any number or maths concepts like shapes, fractions, units of measure, and more   Supports every student, letting some start simple and others aim higher Helps students think creatively, turning maths into something flexible and fun The best part? No preparation is needed Next time you need a quick warm-up or a challenge, try the Thinker’s Keys. Just a grab a marker, write a number on the board, and watch the magic happen!