Back to School 'Clever Code Breaker'
Kick off each term with excitement using our Clever Code Breaker Ice Breaker Activity!
This engaging resource is perfect for the first day or week back, helping students settle in and build connections with their classmates.
With term-specific messages, students use the provided key to unlock a unique message from you for each term:
- Term 1: "Welcome! I’m so excited to have you in my class!"
- Term 2: "Term 2 is here—let’s give a cheer! Ready to start this part of the year?"
- Term 3: "Ready for Term 3? There’s so much to see—let’s learn together, you and me."
- Term 4: "Welcome to Term 4! Let’s get ready to explore, and learn and grow even more!"
Why Choose The Clever Code Breaker?
Our Code Breaker Ice Breaker Activity is designed to make the beginning of each term memorable and enjoyable. It is an excellent tool for building classroom camaraderie and encouraging student interaction from day one.
Outcome Codes:
Why Choose The Back to School 'Clever Code Breaker'?
- Warm Welcome: Each message provides a heartfelt welcome back to school, setting a positive tone for the new term.
- Hassle-Free Setup: No preparation needed - simply print and go, making it ideal for busy teachers.
- Creative Expression: Includes a template for students to create their own secret codes and write return messages.
- Term-Specific Messages: Students use the provided key to unlock a unique message for each term.
- Engage Students: Kick off each term with a fun, interactive activity that encourages participation.
- Foster Communication: Help students develop communication skills by creating and deciphering messages.
- Encourage Creativity: Allow students to express themselves creatively through personalised code writing.
What's Included?
- 4 Clever Code Breaker Activities (One For Each Term!)
- Blank Code Breaker Template For Students To Create Their Own Code Breaking Puzzle
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Maths Warm-Up: Target Number
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!
Maths Warm-Up: The Alphabet Key
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!
Maths Warm-Up: The Answer Key
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!