Educational Let's Learn

Mathematical Reasoning Activities

Reasoning is a vital skill, particularly in mathematics. Being able to reason about their answers to maths problems allows children to develop a much deeper and more thorough understanding of mathematical concepts. For example, children may know that 5 + 5 = 10, but do they understand that numbers can be combined in multiple ways to reach that same answer? Reasoning also requires children to deeply consider HOW they reached their answer and WHY it is correct. Reasoning is essential for developing a deeper understanding. 

Below you will find 3 reasoning prompts/activities which will help you to teach the vital skill of reasoning to your children. 

Activity 1: Reasoning Prompts

This resource provides you with questions to ask your child to provoke reasoning as well as sentence stems for your kids to use when answering questions. 

Activity 2: Shape Reasoning

A super fun activity that allows your children to explore patterns and multiple combinations. Children will need to use reasoning skills to combine cubes in different ways. 

Activity 3: Brain Teasers

A wonderful way to warm up your child's brain and develop the all important skill of reasoning. This task is highly adaptable and can be used in numerous ways. 

Jaques of London have some wonderful educational toys for kids. 

Ben Williamson
Creative Writer
Ben is passionate about Montessori learning for children and has written for many parenting publications to bring the magic of real play to families in the UK. After graduating in 2009, his career has enabled him to work in areas such as Child Development and Psychology. As a great believer that learning starts at home, he combines his experience with his own parenting style to help bring other families together.