Your students can practise solving addition calculations using friendly numbers with these engaging and collaborative Emoji Code Creator Worksheets. This resource combines mental maths strategies with creative thinking, as students build and solve their own set of problems using the friendly numbers and compensation method.

Students begin by creating a set of addition problems for a classmate to solve. Each calculation requires rounding the first number to the nearest friendly ten and then compensating to find the correct answer. Selected answers are then highlighted or circled and used to decode an emoji description. The final challenge is for the solver to use the clues to draw the correct emoji on their sheet, linking number reasoning with creative interpretation.

With three differentiated levels included, this resource supports a range of abilities and allows for meaningful extension or support. Whether students are working with two-digit or three-digit numbers, this task promotes number flexibility, peer interaction, and a deeper understanding of how rounding and compensation can be used effectively in mental computation.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Apply friendly number and compensation strategies to addition problems
• ✅ Strengthen mental computation and number reasoning skills
• ✅ Create and solve custom addition problems collaboratively
• ✅ Use logical thinking to decode a set of clues
• ✅ Combine maths with creativity by drawing emoji responses based on numerical codes

What’s Included:

• Three differentiated worksheet versions:
  • - Worksheet 1: two-digit by one-digit addition
  • - Worksheet 2: two-digit by two-digit addition
  • - Worksheet 3: three-digit by two-digit addition
• Each worksheet includes:
  • - Space to create custom addition problems
  • - Areas to record answers using the friendly numbers strategy
  • - A coded emoji description to solve
  • - A drawing area for the final emoji solution

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet (choose the most appropriate level for each student)
• Pencils or pens for solving and drawing
• Highlighters (optional for marking key numbers in the code)
• Coloured pencils or markers for drawing emojis

How to Use:

1. Print the required number of worksheets according to student needs.
2. Students use the worksheet to create a set of addition problems for a partner.
3. The partner solves each problem using rounding and compensation.
4. Certain answers are used to decode an emoji description based on the numbers in the code.
5. The final step is to draw the emoji that matches the decoded description.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in maths rotations as a collaborative task between partners or small groups.
• 💡 Include in a friendly numbers or mental strategies unit for additional practise.
• 💡 Add to enrichment folders or early finisher stations for an engaging challenge.
• 💡 Use as a peer-teaching tool, with one student designing problems and another solving them.
• 💡 Pair with a class discussion about different mental strategies and their effectiveness.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Encourage students to use different rounding strategies and explain their thinking aloud.
• 💛 Differentiate by assigning the appropriate worksheet level based on individual needs.
• 💛 Create a class gallery of completed emoji drawings and matching equations for display.
• 💛 Laminate a few copies and use whiteboard markers to make a reusable rotation station.

Friendly Numbers with Compensation Addition Emoji Code Creator Worksheets offer a creative and interactive way for students to deepen their understanding of addition and engage in meaningful peer learning. It’s a perfect blend of maths, logic, and fun!