Estimating Sums and Differences

Are you looking for a unique twist on a regular year 6 maths worksheet? Rather than handing students a page with traditional problems, why not challenge them to complete one of Teach Starter’s maths mazes? With this set of mazes, students will practise estimating solutions to decimal addition and subtraction equations.

There are 3 levels of the mazes, indicated by the stars next to the title. Students find an estimation to the expression in the ‘Start Here’ box and colour the path with the most reasonable estimate. Continue until they reach the ‘End Here’ box. 

• Level 1 has 12 estimations to complete.
• Level 2 has 18 estimations to complete.
• Level 3 has 20 estimations to complete.

Answer pages are included with your download to make marking fast and easy! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, ask them to complete multiple levels of the maze, and then they can make their own maze with at least 10 questions using an editable format.

For students who need additional support, use the level 1 maze. Provide completed examples, notes and a calculator as needed. Work with a peer tutor or one on one with the teacher.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable PowerPoint or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on card and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a Teach Starter Collaborator.