Your students can practise their addition problem-solving skills using partitioning with these engaging worksheets.

This hands-on activity transforms traditional two-digit addition practice into a code-breaking adventure. Designed to develop confidence with partitioning, this resource helps students step through each part of a calculation before applying their logic skills to a fun and creative task. With a focus on mental strategies and accuracy, students will enjoy the blend of maths and mystery.

To complete the activity, students solve each addition problem by showing their working using the partitioning method. Some numbers in the calculations or final answers are circled or highlighted. These special numbers form a code that matches to written descriptions of an emoji. Once decoded, students must illustrate the emoji on the worksheet - combining numerical thinking with visual creativity!

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Apply partitioning to solve two-digit addition equations with and without regrouping
• ✅ Interpret and solve real-world word problems involving two-digit numbers
• ✅ Understand how numbers can represent symbolic meaning in a code
• ✅ Use problem-solving strategies to complete multi-step challenges
• ✅ Engage in a cross-curricular activity that links numeracy with creative expression

What’s Included

• 3 differentiated versions of the Emoji Code Breaker worksheet:
  • - Version 1: Addition problems with no regrouping, ideal for early skill development
  • - Version 2: Mixed problems requiring occasional regrouping
  • - Version 3: Frequent regrouping and more challenging word problems to extend capable students
• Emoji code sheet with number-to-clue matching
• Dedicated emoji drawing box to encourage visual interpretation

Materials Needed

• Printed worksheet version appropriate for each student
• Pencils and coloured markers or crayons
• Optional: Place value blocks or counters for hands-on support
• Optional: Write-and-wipe sleeves if reusing in rotation settings

How to Use

1. Introduce the partitioning strategy with a worked example as a class.
2. Distribute worksheets based on the student’s current ability level.
3. Students solve each problem using partitioning, recording all working out clearly.
4. Identify and record the highlighted numbers to form a code.
5. Use the code sheet to match numbers with emoji descriptions.
6. Draw the final emoji based on the description - no peeking at others’ work!

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as an independent task during your addition unit
• 💡 Include as part of maths rotations for skill revision
• 💡 Display completed emoji artwork in a ‘Maths & Art’ gallery wall
• 💡 Incorporate into small groups for peer-to-peer strategy sharing

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print multiple levels so students can progress at their own pace
• 💛 Have students swap finished emoji drawings and guess the code used
• 💛 Enlarge pages to A3 for visual learners or display on your IWB for whole-class modelling

This activity is a clever combination of computation, creativity and communication - ideal for engaging students who enjoy challenge and novelty in their maths learning. A must-have addition to your problem-solving toolkit!