Classroom activity · Mazes and problem-solving puzzles
Bigger Number Path Puzzles
Three bigger number grids, up to 7 by 7. Hundreds of paths, and only one hits the target.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Problem solving, Planning ahead, Visual tracking, Fine motor control
What kids do
“Go from the top left square to the bottom right square, moving only right or down. Find the one path that adds up to the target.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Puzzle 1 · 5 by 5 · Target: 57
- Start at the top left and end at the bottom right. Only move → or ↓.
- Puzzle 2 · 6 by 6 · Target: 71
- Puzzle 3 · 7 by 7 · Target: 57
Teacher tip
Have kids write the running total as they go.
How to use it
- Let kids trace the path with a finger before using a pencil.
- Give kids a pencil with an eraser so they can fix wrong turns.
- Slide it into a sheet protector so kids can play again with a dry-erase marker.
Watch for
Kids crossing over the walls. Remind them that walls are solid.
Talk about it
- Was it easier to start at the beginning or the end?
- What was the trickiest part? How did you get past it?
Take it further
Have kids draw their own maze for a friend to solve.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More mazes and problem-solving puzzles
Grades K–1
Big Easy Maze
A big, wide-path maze for little hands: six squares across, with lots of room for a crayon.
Grades K–1
ABC Path Puzzle
Follow the alphabet from A to T through a grid of letters. Letter order practice that feels like a maze.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.