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Early finisher activities for Years 5 and 6

Upper primary early finishers want a real challenge. Logic grids, syllogisms, harder Sudoku and multi-step number puzzles suit them, and a set of challenge cards gives the strongest students something to argue about. Everything here is free to print, and every maths answer is computed in code.

What works at this age

  • Choose puzzles with one right answer that takes reasoning to reach, so students can check with each other.
  • Let students explain a solution to a partner: talking through the logic is the extension.
  • Rotate the tray each week so there is always something new to try.

Maths challenge cards

12 cards to cut apart and keep in a tub: stretch questions from order of operations, factors, patterns, square numbers, algebra, pitched at the top of the band so they are a challenge, not more of the same. Four different sets:

Set 1Set 2Set 3Set 4
✓ Answers computed in code, never wrong
Years 5 and 6 · Early finisher challenge

Maths challenge cards

Cut along the dashed lines. Pick a card, solve it in your book, then check with a partner.

  1. Card 1Order of Operations
    12 + 4 × 5 =
  2. Card 2Order of Operations
    (5 + 12) × 3 =
  3. Card 3Order of Operations
    (9 + 3) × 6 =
  4. Card 4Factors
    List all the factors of 34:
  5. Card 5Factors
    List all the factors of 27:
  6. Card 6Patterns
    What comes next? 5, 9, 14, 20, ___
  7. Card 7Patterns
    What comes next? 8, 9, 11, 14, ___
  8. Card 8Patterns
    What comes next? 1, 9, 17, 25, ___
  9. Card 9Square Numbers
    What is 3²?
  10. Card 10Square Numbers
    Which number squared equals 169?
  11. Card 11Algebra
    4x = 24
  12. Card 12Algebra
    x − 4 = 25
Made with ChalkBee · chalkbee.com

Printable puzzles for the early finisher tray

9 ready-made sheets that suit Years 5 and 6. Open one to print it; each has an answer key where there is one answer.

Logic Grid Puzzles Worksheet (Grade 5)LogicLogical Reasoning Worksheet (Grade 5)LogicBrain Teasers Worksheet (Grade 5)RiddlesRiddles Worksheet (Grade 5)RiddlesNumber Patterns Worksheet (Grade 5)PatternsSpot the Pattern Worksheet (Grade 5)PatternsFact or Opinion Worksheet (Grade 5)LogicWord Analogies Worksheet (Grade 5)AnalogiesExpert Printable Maze (A)Maze

Self-checking tools

SudokuMedium and hard puzzles with a built-in solution for checking.Factors and multiples explorerBuild factor trees and find common factors and multiples, a natural extension from Year 5 and 6 number work.Colour by numberHard multiplication and division facts, with a picture that checks every answer.Roman numeral converterA self-checking puzzle: convert dates and numbers, then check which ones are valid numerals.

Set up an early finisher tray in ten minutes

  1. Print one set of challenge cards per table group and keep them in a labelled tub.
  2. Print five or six puzzle sheets from the list above, a few copies each, in a tray by the door.
  3. Agree the rule with the class: check your work first, then choose quietly, then finish or swap.
  4. Swap the challenge card set and one puzzle each week so the tray stays fresh.

By year level

Other bands: Foundation to Year 2 · Years 3 and 4

Frequently asked questions

What makes a good early finisher activity for Years 5 and 6?

Choose puzzles with one right answer that takes reasoning to reach, so students can check with each other. Let students explain a solution to a partner: talking through the logic is the extension. Rotate the tray each week so there is always something new to try.

Are the maths challenge card answers correct?

Yes. The cards are built by the same procedural generators as the rest of ChalkBee's maths, which compute every answer in code. Tick 'Add the answer page' before printing to include them.

Can I print a stack at once?

Yes. Print the challenge cards (four different sets), then open each puzzle sheet and print as many copies as your tray needs. Every sheet is free to print with no login.

Should early finishers just do more of the same worksheet?

Usually not. Extra repetition of work a student has already mastered feels like a penalty for finishing. A puzzle or challenge that asks them to think in a new way keeps them learning and keeps the room quiet.

Early Finisher Activities for Years 5 and 6: Free Printables | ChalkBee