Problem Solving in Toroa: Square It

In Toroa, our maths focus is problem-solving. Today we played a game called Square It and talked about how we communicate our thinking. You can play Square It online by clicking below.

Our class discussion focused on some of the cool questions and statements Ms Y. overheard:

Why did you move there?
- It's great to ask 'why' questions to understand someone else's thinking.

I remember that trick.
- Activating past knowledge is a great problem-solving strategy!

Your turn.
- Turn taking is important, especially in team problem-solving challenges.

That's not a square... Along the bottom and top it's four, but on the other sides it's three.
- Using evidence to support your ideas is important to convince others.

Does this count as a square?
- Asking questions to understand a problem is very important.

You could have won if you...
- Helping your opponent to understand the game and become a better player is a great way to work with others.

What strategy did you use to win?
- Ask questions to help your own learning. Ask successful people how they are achieving success.

What if next time you...
- 'What if' questions are fabulous in maths!

Do you mind if I...?
- It's important to check in with how team mates are feeling. Think of others, not just yourself.

Who's winning at the moment? How do you know?
- What counts as winning? Is it possible to predict who will win? These are great questions. 'How do you know?' is an especially good question.

I won in five moves. How quickly do you think you can win?
- We will explore more questions like this next time as we deepen our thinking.

Who wants to play next?
- It's great to be inclusive.

How do we decide who starts?
- Effective problem-solvers make sure everyone understands the problem or game before they begin.

I'm going to play a defensive more and stop you.
- Explaining your thinking is a great way to share your learning. 

Well done Toroa mathematicians! For home learning, try playing Square It against someone at home, or playing against the computer. Prepare your strategy and be ready to share for our next session.