The idea of problem solving activities often conjures up images of numbers and objects that have no direct meaning for students other than teaching the basic problem solving strategies.

The activities in this book are designed to present real-life problems in a realistic context so as to provide children with situations in which everyday problem solving and comprehension skills are required. The activities are based around recurring characters who find themselves exposed to a range of problems that need to be solved, the sort of problems that students may one day encounter.

Most Sheets include a challenge activity, usually an extension of the main problem, which will further consolidate comprehension skills. Included throughout the book are brainteaser Sheets which focus on a particular problem solving strategy, highlighted at the foot of the Page. These brainteasers can be photocopied and individually glued on to card so as to create a set. Students might like to think up their own brainteasers to add to the set.