teaching resource

Open-Ended Problem Solving Questions - Grade 1 and Grade 2

Updated: 25 Mar 2025

Use these 20 open-ended problem solving questions covering a range of mathematical concepts with your Grade 1 and Year 2 students.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 11 Pages
Grades: 1 - 2

Curriculum

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1

Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol...
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1
1. Grade 1
2. Standards for Mathematical Practice

Math 1.1(A)

Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace;
Math 1.1(B)

Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution;
Math 1.1(C)

Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems;
Math 1.1(D)

Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate;
Math 1.1(G)

Display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication.
Math 1.3(B)

Use objects and pictorial models to solve word problems involving joining, separating, and comparing sets within 20 and unknowns as any one of the terms in the problem such as 2 + 4 = [ ]; 3 + [ ] = 7; and 5 = [ ] - 3;
Math 2.1(A)

Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace;
Math 2.1(B)

Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution;
Math 2.1(C)

Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems;
Math 2.1(D)

Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate;
Math 2.1(G)

Display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication.

$Open-Ended Problem Solving Questions - Grade 1 and Grade 2 teaching resource$

teaching resource

Open-Ended Problem Solving Questions - Grade 1 and Grade 2

Updated: 25 Mar 2025

Use these 20 open-ended problem solving questions covering a range of mathematical concepts with your Grade 1 and Year 2 students.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 11 Pages
Grades: 1 - 2

Use these 20 open-ended problem solving questions covering a range of mathematical concepts with your Grade 1 and Year 2 students.

Open-Ended Problem-Solving Questions

This set of open-ended problem solving questions for math have been created by an experienced teacher to encourage critical thinking and mathematical reasoning. These problem solving questions have been designed to suit students in Year 1 and Year 2. These engaging tasks help young learners develop confidence in tackling problem-solving questions in math while exploring different strategies and solutions.

This resource includes 20 open-ended problem-solving cards covering a range of mathematical concepts such as number, space, measurement, chance, and data. These cards encourage deep, thoughtful, and creative responses, with more than one possible answer—helping students explore possibilities and think outside the box.

Build Thinking Skills with Open-Ended Questions

Unlike traditional math problems with a single answer, open-ended problem-solving questions allow students to:

Explain their reasoning and justify answers
Explore multiple solutions and approaches
Develop flexible thinking in math
Work collaboratively and discuss strategies

These problem-solving cards can be used at the beginning of a lesson, as a group activity, or as an enrichment task for early finishers. Whether integrated into daily math lessons or used for extension activities, they help students strengthen their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.

Engage Your Students in Meaningful Math Learning!

Designed to align with early years mats learning objectives, these problem-solving questions encourage students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. S

Support your Year 1 and Year 2 learners in becoming confident and resilient mathematical thinkers!

Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator, contributed to this resource.

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Curriculum

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1

Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol...
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1
1. Grade 1
2. Standards for Mathematical Practice

Math 1.1(A)

Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace;
Math 1.1(B)

Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution;
Math 1.1(C)

Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems;
Math 1.1(D)

Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate;
Math 1.1(G)

Display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication.
Math 1.3(B)

Use objects and pictorial models to solve word problems involving joining, separating, and comparing sets within 20 and unknowns as any one of the terms in the problem such as 2 + 4 = [ ]; 3 + [ ] = 7; and 5 = [ ] - 3;
Math 2.1(A)

Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace;
Math 2.1(B)

Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution;
Math 2.1(C)

Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems;
Math 2.1(D)

Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate;
Math 2.1(G)

Display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication.

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