Your students can practise their addition problem-solving skills using partitioning with our Partitioning Two-Digit Addition Emoji Code Creator Worksheets.

This interactive resource blends maths, creativity and communication into one exciting task. Students are invited to create their own two-digit addition problems using the partitioning strategy. But there’s a twist - once they’ve designed their equations, they must select key numbers from their workings or solutions to form a secret emoji code! Their partner will solve the problems, decode the emoji, and then draw it using the description revealed through the code.

Perfect for early finishers, collaborative tasks or maths rotations, this activity allows students to become both creators and solvers of maths problems. It offers excellent reinforcement of number knowledge, place value, and the partitioning process while injecting a burst of fun and imagination into your addition lessons.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Apply the partitioning strategy to two-digit addition problems
• ✅ Create and structure their own number equations and word problems
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of number combinations and regrouping
• ✅ Develop clear problem-solving methods and accurate number modelling
• ✅ Use mathematical outcomes to engage in visual decoding and creativity

What’s Included

• 3 differentiated worksheet versions:
  • - Version 1: Create addition equations only
  • - Version 2: Create addition equations and matching word problems
  • - Version 3: Addition equations using higher numbers and more regrouping
• Emoji code sheet that maps numbers to emoji descriptors
• Design space for students to draw the decoded emoji

Materials Needed

• Printed worksheet versions (choose based on ability level)
• Pencils and coloured pencils or markers for drawing
• Optional: Place value blocks, whiteboards or counters to support problem creation
• Printed emoji code chart for decoding

How to Use

1. Review partitioning strategies as a class, using a few guided examples
2. Distribute chosen worksheet versions to students or allow them to choose their challenge
3. Students create their addition problems and show their working using partitioning
4. Selected numbers are highlighted or circled and matched to the emoji code chart
5. The completed worksheet is passed to a classmate to solve and decode the mystery emoji
6. The classmate draws the emoji in the provided space

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Great for partner activities during maths rotations or problem-solving lessons
• 💡 Display finished emoji drawings and equations on a ‘Maths & Me’ bulletin board
• 💡 Set a timed challenge where students must decode and draw the emoji before the timer runs out

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Begin with a modelled example showing how to choose key numbers from an equation
• 💛 Allow students to swap with multiple classmates for more practice and more emoji fun
• 💛 Store worksheets in a write-and-wipe sleeve to reuse across maths rotations

This task supports core numeracy skills while encouraging critical thinking, creativity and peer interaction. A must-have for making addition practice more exciting and engaging!