Year 4 Problem Solving Lesson - Hundred Square Twist

Hundred Square Twist is a logic-based “What Number Am I?” puzzle where pupils use a series of clues to explore possibilities and reason systematically. Some clues are more useful than others, encouraging children to think critically about relevance and prioritisation.

What it teaches:
Logical reasoning & deduction: Narrow options using a process of elimination.
Number sense: Explore properties such as multiples, digit sums, and parity.
Critical thinking: Decide which clues matter and disregard irrelevant information.
Metacognition & strategy: Plan, check, and justify thinking rather than guess.

Maths Strands Covered:
Properties of numbers
Greater than / less than comparisons
Digit sums
Times tables and multiples
Factors and divisibility
Logical reasoning and deduction

Ideal for:
Explicitly teaching problem-solving skills with modelled tasks.
KS2 pupils developing reasoning and problem-solving confidence.
Encouraging persistence, careful reading, and independent thinking with unfamiliar problems.

What’s Included:
Clear, structured teaching input to model problem-solving strategies
Two worksheets: one to follow the teacher’s modelling and one for independent practice
Teacher guide: explains the lesson structure and how to use the tasks effectively