Digit Dog is a character created by numeracy consultant, Lynwen Barnsley. The aim of the character is to enthuse children and to present mathematical challenges that encourage and develop reasoning skills. You will notice that he always uses phrases such as “I was wondering……..”, “what if I……..” to encourage learners to hypothesise; and “what do you notice?” to encourage learners to look for similarities and differences, patterns and rules.
He has a friend called Calculating Cat who encourages learners to explain their thinking and often makes a statement that learners have to agree or disagree with.
The challenges can be used as a lesson starter, as a stimulus for mathematical conversations, as a challenge in your maths area or as a way of starting a mathematical investigation.
Digit Dog Challenges 