Very young children may find it hard to get started on this one. They would find it helpful to use some concrete materials, like blocks, to represent the dog biscuits. It would also help to begin with a smaller number to make it easier to visualise. For example, a total of 5 biscuit, with the big dog getting just one more. Some children will automatically want to give the same number to each dog, so take care to get the message across that big dogs eat more than little dogs.

After introducing the type of problem through a simpler example, give the children the original problem and observe the strategies they use. Some might share out the biscuits, one to each dog, then deal with the '4 more' at the end. Others may start with the '4 more' and share what's left equally. Others will use less obvious methods, so ask them to explain.

This type of problem can be varied by using 'less than' instead of 'more than. Encourage children to make up and solve their own similar problems. The more able could be extended by introducing a third dog and a second clue.