Teacher guidance

Check that pupils fully understand the context, for example with points such as:

• Think about the information you are given and ask yourself why it would be useful in helping you to work out the average amount of time Santa can spend at each house.
• Present your solution in a letter to Santa, so he understands it and how you arrived at it. Remember to show your working and your reasoning.

During the task the following probing questions may be useful

• Have you used all the information you have been given? If not, why not?
• What else do you need to assume?
• How many hours do you think can Santa work – while children are asleep?
• Will Santa understand what you have done and why?
• What does your solution tell you about Santa’s schedule?

For ease of teacher reference, there is an arithmetical annex at the end of the teacher guide.