AfterMaths: How To Teach Primary Maths Problem Solving

About this episode

Jon and Becky discuss the challenges of teaching problem solving in primary maths and explore effective strategies for educators.

In this Aftermaths episode, Jon and Becky dig into one of the biggest ongoing challenges in primary maths: problem solving. Despite being one of the three core aims of the curriculum, problem solving is still too often treated as something we “do at the end” rather than something we explicitly teach. Drawing on classroom experience, research, and a classic article by Mike Askew, they explore the difference between routine and non-routine problems, and why that distinction matters more than ever. The conversation unpicks a familiar issue. Children can often perform well in lessons, yet struggle when faced with unfamiliar problems. The issue isn’t always the maths itself, but the lack of a clear approach to tackling problems. As Jon puts it, we’ve been doing lots of solving of problems, but not enough teaching of problem solving as a skill. Becky shares insights from her work developing new problem solving resources, including the importance of explicitly teaching strategies, building a toolkit of approaches, and creating opportunities for discussion, curiosity, and resilience. They also reflect on the reality of packed curricula, teacher confidence, and why “Fun Friday” problem…

People in this episode

Host: Jon Cripwell

Guest: Becky

Topics covered

• primary maths
• problem solving
• curriculum
• routine problems
• non-routine problems
• teaching strategies
• teacher confidence

Keywords

• problem solving
• primary maths
• teaching strategies
• routine problems
• non-routine problems
• curriculum
• teacher confidence

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• Why Doodling Belongs in Maths Lessons - AfterMaths · May 15, 2026 · 38 min
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