Welcome to Maths For Fun – where mathematical curiosity meets pure enjoyment for learners of all ages! Founded by a team of lifelong maths enthusiasts, we believe that numbers aren’t just for tests – they’re for exploration, discovery, and delight. Whether you’re eight or eighty, a beginner or a seasoned problem solver, you’ll find a growing collection of logic based games and puzzles that cover every corner of mathematics.
School & Teachers Guidance
We believe that puzzles are more than just games – they are a way to make maths exciting, meaningful, and accessible for all learners. This schools and teachers guidance page has been created to help educators use our resources with confidence, whether you’re teaching in a classroom, running a maths club, or supporting learners at home. Our goal is to support schools and teachers with practical strategies, adaptable activities, and creative approaches that save you time while helping students build real confidence in maths.
Why Puzzle-Based Learning Works
One of the key ideas behind our schools and teachers guidance is that puzzles are not just about getting the right answer – they are about the journey of problem-solving. Algebra and other areas of maths can feel abstract, but puzzles place them in a context that feels playful and purposeful. By asking learners to crack a code, complete a pattern, or untangle a logic chain, you’re encouraging them to apply mathematical thinking in a natural way.
Research shows that students learn best when they are actively engaged, and puzzles provide exactly that. They invite curiosity (“Can I solve this?”), persistence (“What if I try another method?”), and collaboration (“Let’s work this out together”). For many students, especially those who find traditional worksheets uninspiring, puzzles reframe maths as something creative and enjoyable.
Another reason puzzles are powerful is their inclusivity. They can be scaled up or down depending on the learner’s ability. For example, Grid Sum can be adapted for younger students as a simple addition challenge, or made more advanced by adding algebraic expressions. Similarly, Equation Detective can be presented as a straightforward substitution puzzle or extended into a multi-step algebra investigation. This flexibility means that teachers can meet learners where they are, offering support or stretch as needed.
Practical Guidance for Teachers
Many teachers tell us they want engaging activities, but don’t have hours to prepare them – which is why our resources are designed to be low-prep and classroom-ready. All you need is a copy of the puzzle (printed or projected) and some space for learners to think and collaborate.
There are so many ways to bring puzzles into lessons. You could start with a quick-fire challenge to settle the class and get their brains working, use a puzzle as the main activity where groups collaborate on solutions, or even end the lesson with a “fun finisher” puzzle that leaves students wanting more. Because puzzles often have multiple ways to approach them, they also spark classroom discussion, giving students the chance to explain their reasoning – something teachers know is vital for deeper understanding.
Puzzles are also excellent for formative assessment. Watching how students approach a problem gives you valuable insight into their thinking: Do they spot patterns? Do they get stuck on the first step? Do they work systematically or randomly? By using puzzles, you can identify strengths and gaps in understanding without students feeling like they’re being tested.
Our guidance also emphasises inclusivity. Many neurodiverse learners respond well to puzzles because they provide structure, clarity, and a goal to aim for. We design resources with simple layouts and clear instructions to avoid unnecessary distractions. Teachers have told us this makes a big difference for students who struggle with traditional worksheets but thrive when given a puzzle to crack.
10 Hints and Tips for Using Puzzles in Schools
To make this schools and teachers guidance as practical as possible, here are ten tried-and-tested ideas for getting the most out of puzzle-based learning in the classroom:
Start small – introduce puzzles as warm-ups or quick challenges before making them the focus of a whole lesson.
Mix difficulty levels – give students a choice between easier and harder puzzles so everyone feels challenged but not overwhelmed.
Encourage teamwork – let learners work in pairs or groups; explaining strategies aloud strengthens understanding.
Use puzzles as assessment – watch how students approach them to see where they may need extra support.
Add competition carefully – scoring or timing can motivate some students but always balance it with collaboration.
Celebrate creativity – reward not just correct answers but interesting methods and problem-solving approaches.
Connect to real life – highlight how puzzles link to everyday algebra, like shopping discounts or travel times.
Make it visual – project puzzles on the board or use physical versions (posters, cards, stations) to keep energy high.
Adapt for inclusivity – simplify wording, break puzzles into smaller steps, or add hints for learners who need extra support.
Build a routine – make puzzles a regular feature of maths lessons so students come to expect and enjoy them.
Practical Guidance/Resources for Teachers
By following this schools and teachers guidance, you can create a classroom where maths feels playful, purposeful, and engaging for every learner. Whether you’re refreshing your teaching style, planning a maths club, or looking for ways to boost confidence in algebra, Maths For Fun offers the resources, support, and inspiration you need. Explore our growing resource library, share ideas with colleagues, and see how puzzle-based learning can transform the way students experience maths.