This problem encourages children to use counting-on techniques,
  but offers you an opportunity to introduce them to the idea of
  multiples. Talking to the group about total lengths of blue
  sticks which match lengths of red sticks allows you to model the
  appropriate language, for example "$6$ is a multiple of $2$ and
  $6$ is also a multiple of $3$". Having cubes available for the
  children to use is a necessary part of this problem, as it makes
  it accessible to all. However, it has a lot of scope to be taken
  further - the open-ended nature of the activity also allows
  children to make a generalisation about all the lengths of sticks
  that can be made from both blue and red. Although many may not be
  able to verbalise this formally, they will certainly be able to
  look for patterns in the numbers that are possible and this can
  lead to a fruitful discussion. You could also talk about how to
  record what they have found, and this is where squared paper
  might be useful. This work would make a lovely display, for
  example using sticky red and blue squares on a large grid. <br />