Pentominoes at Prep

We are delighted to share with you an exciting new addition to our Prep Maths curriculum, a Pentominoes Challenge that will support our pupils’ learning at home.

Every child at the school has been sent home with their own set of Pentominoes, a collection of twelve unique shapes, each made from five equal-sized squares connected edge to edge.

Each week, a new challenge will be given to pupils to arrange their pentomino pieces into a particular pattern or configuration, challenging their thinking and encouraging creative problem-solving.

While these puzzles are fun and accessible, they are also underpinned by solid educational value. Research has consistently shown that engaging in spatial tasks like Pentominoes enhances:

• Spatial reasoning is foundational for success in mathematics, science, engineering, and even the arts.
• Problem-solving and logical thinking, encouraging children to plan, trial strategies, and think critically.
• Resilience, as puzzles often require multiple attempts and adjustments before reaching a solution.
• Collaborative thinking, as these challenges can be explored in pairs or small groups, promotes discussion and shared reasoning.

Every child who completes the weekly puzzle will be awarded one puzzle point, with certificates for reaching three puzzle points and a small prize for completing ten.

By launching this new programme, we hope to develop and recognise curiosity, resilience, and mathematical thinking. We also hope that this becomes a family ritual; these puzzles are designed to be enjoyed by ages 3 to 100, and make for excellent family challenges. Whether it’s an evening activity or a weekend brainteaser, the Pentominoes can bring people together in thoughtful, playful exploration.

We look forward to seeing the brilliant problem-solving happening in homes across our school community, and to celebrating our pupils’ achievements as we go.

With thanks to Mrs Ryder for initiating this fantastic learning opportunity.