Why do this problem?

This problem provides an appealing context for practising the three times table. It gives an opportunity for children to realise that there is not necessarily just one answer to a mathematical problem.

Children might find it helpful to use this sheet of the grid with counters.

Key questions

Shall we count together in threes?

Which square could we go to next?

Possible extension

You could challenge to find every possible route.

Possible support

You could suggest that children write out the numbers in the three times table first. They might also find it easier to start at $30$ and work backwards.