Math Puzzle with Shapes — Grade 1

Work the sums, build the picture. Every cell of this puzzle is an addition or subtraction within twenty, and each correct answer locks a piece of the circles, squares and a triangle image into place. The child cannot finish the picture without finishing the maths, which makes the puzzle self-checking and keeps the focus on solving each equation — a satisfying way to practise mixed adding and subtracting at Grade 1.

Keeping every cell within twenty means a Grade 1 child can solve by the strategies they have — counting on, counting back, using pairs they know — rather than reaching for methods they have not met. The puzzle stays squarely in that band, so it is genuine within-twenty practice with a motivating finish, not a stretch into bigger numbers.

Children who like shapes get pulled straight into the solving — the hidden picture is a strong reason to finish every cell. When this feels easy, build another picture in math puzzle with things that fly, or try math puzzle with easter. You can also browse every math puzzle worksheet or the whole shapes collection for grade 1 — each one prints on a single page or plays online, revealing the picture as the answers go in.