Math Kangaroo Practice for Grades 1-2
Updated October 2026 · 8 free printables
Contest-style problems for first and second graders: count the squares, cube towers, clocks, number patterns, shape puzzles and simple stories. Eight sets of six problems with explained answers.
All 8 Math Kangaroo Practice for Grades 1-2, One by One
Here is a closer look at every page in this collection: what it practices, which grade it fits and a tip for each one.
-
1. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 1
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: calendar, logic, patterns, time, working backwards. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. After checking answers, try to explain each solution in your own words.
-
2. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 2
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: 3D shapes, geometry, logic, money, numbers, word problems. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. Give about 3 to 4 minutes per problem, like in a real contest.
-
3. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 3
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: calendar, counting shapes, logic, patterns, time. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. After checking answers, try to explain each solution in your own words.
-
4. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 4
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: geometry, logic, money, numbers, word problems, working backwards. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. Give about 3 to 4 minutes per problem, like in a real contest.
-
5. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 5
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: geometry, money, patterns, word problems, working backwards. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. After checking answers, try to explain each solution in your own words.
-
6. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 6
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: geometry, money, numbers, patterns, word problems, working backwards. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. Give about 3 to 4 minutes per problem, like in a real contest.
-
7. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 7
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: 3D shapes, calendar, counting shapes, logic, patterns. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. After checking answers, try to explain each solution in your own words.
-
8. Kangaroo-Style Math Practice, Grades 1-2, Set 8
Six original contest-style math problems for grades 1-2 with answer choices A to E, worth 3, 4 and 5 points, plus an answer key that explains every solution. Topics: money, numbers, patterns, time, word problems, working backwards. The problems are written for grades 1 and 2 and lean on pictures and small numbers. Give about 3 to 4 minutes per problem, like in a real contest.
Tips for math kangaroo practice for grades 1-2
- Read each problem aloud to young kids; at this age the reading is often harder than the math itself.
- Point to each shape as you count it and mark it with a light dot, so none is counted twice or skipped.
- Teach kids to cross out answer choices that are clearly impossible, then think carefully about the ones left.
Fun math facts
- A cube has 6 faces, 8 corners and 12 edges, and that comes up again and again in picture puzzles with blocks.
- Counting squares includes the big ones too: a 2 by 2 grid holds 5 squares, four small ones and one large one.
- On a clock, the minute hand travels all the way around in one hour while the hour hand moves only to the next number.
Fun ways to use your printables
- Build the cube towers from the problems with real blocks and look at them from every side before answering.
- Let your child draw a 'count the shapes' picture for you with a ruler and a pencil, then check your count.
- Do one problem a day at breakfast instead of a whole set, and talk about it on the way to school.
How to print
Click Download PDF and print at 100% on US Letter or A4 paper. Page 1 is the worksheet and page 2 is the answer key, so choose “page 1” in the print dialog if you only want the practice page. Every worksheet is free for home, homeschool and classroom use, so print as many copies as you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can first graders really do contest math?
Yes. The problems use small numbers and pictures; the challenge is in noticing the trick, which young kids are often great at.