New Season Begins! What Are the Key Preparation Points and Recommended Practice Resources for Different Grades in the Kangaroo Math Competition? With a PDF Collection of Common Mistakes

The Kangaroo Math Competition, one of the world’s most influential math competitions for young students, attracts millions of participants globally with its unique blend of fun and inspiration. Based on the cognitive characteristics of students in grades 1–12, the competition is divided into different levels with differentiated test points and difficulty. This article provides targeted preparation strategies and resource recommendations for each grade to help students achieve excellent results in the 2026 competition.

I. Complete Analysis of Core Test Points by Grade

The Kangaroo Math Competition is divided into 6 levels according to grade, with each level’s test points aligned with students’ cognitive development. Below is an analysis of core test points for grades 1–6:

Comparison of Test Points by Level

Grade Geometry Test Points Algebra / Number Theory Test Points Logic / Application Test Points
1–2 (Level A) Symmetry and rotation of shapes, net of a rectangular prism, decomposition and combination of 3D shapes Addition and subtraction within four digits, multiplication of two-digit numbers, clock problems, basic fractions (1/2, 1/4) Object classification strategies, simple maze paths, ordering quantities
3–4 (Level B) Angle relationships in triangles, properties of special quadrilaterals, views of cubes (top/side view) Mixed four operations, fraction-decimal conversion, pigeonhole principle, percentage calculation Magic square filling, counting with multiplication principle, verbal logical reasoning
5–6 (Level C) Applications of the Pythagorean theorem, area of circles and polygons, volume of polyhedra (pyramids/cones) Systems of linear equations, probability and statistics, distance-speed-time problems, greatest common divisor Resource allocation optimization, complex pattern reasoning
7–8 (Level D) Angle theorems with parallel lines, surface area of geometric solids Exponentiation with rational numbers, elementary algebraic thinking Logical reasoning, basic combinatorics problems
9–10 (Level E) Analysis of properties of complex geometric figures Functions and inequalities, number sequences, fundamentals of combinatorics Interdisciplinary application problems
11–12 (Level F) Advanced geometric transformations In-depth applications of polynomials, dynamic programming, conditional probability Complex modeling and optimization problems
From the distribution of test points, it is clear that the Kangaroo Math Competition emphasizes progressive ability development: lower grades focus on basic calculations and shape recognition; middle grades strengthen logical reasoning; and upper grades emphasize abstract thinking and solving complex problems.

II. Preparation Strategies and Time Planning by Grade

1. Preparation Strategies for Lower Grades (1–4)

Students in lower grades are in the early stage of mathematical thinking development, so preparation should focus on fun and foundational consolidation.

Preparation Plan (Grades 1–4)

Preparation Stage Timeframe Key Tasks Recommended Resources
Foundation Consolidation January 2026 Master core grade-level concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and shape recognition Kangaroo Math fun workbooks, math 启蒙 games
Ability Improvement February 2026 Special training in logical reasoning and application problems Simple logic and shape reasoning questions from past papers
Sprint and Mock Exams March 2026 Full mock exams to adapt to the exam rhythm Timed practice with the past 3 years’ real papers
Key Points for Lower Grades:

Interest through fun: Use math games and interesting problems to build interest; avoid mechanical drilling.

Learning through daily life: Integrate math concepts into daily activities, such as shopping calculations and telling time.

Visual and hands-on tools: Use building blocks, puzzles, and other manipulatives to develop spatial imagination.

2. Preparation Strategies for Middle and Upper Grades (5–12)

Students in middle and upper grades need more systematic mathematical thinking and problem-solving strategies.

Preparation Plan (Grades 5–12)

Preparation Stage Timeframe Key Tasks Recommended Resources
Knowledge Review September–December 2025 Systematically review grade-level test points and build a knowledge network Test point checklists, topic-specific practice questions
Targeted Improvement January–February 2026 Strengthen weak areas and master problem-solving techniques Categorized past papers, problem-solving strategy guides
Comprehensive Sprint March 2026 Mock exams and adjust exam strategies Mock tests with the past 5 years’ papers, review of error logs
Key Points for Middle and Upper Grades:

Error log: Systematically record mistakes, review regularly, and identify gaps.

Mind maps: Use diagrams to organize connections between concepts and form a systematic understanding.

Strategy training: Master efficient methods such as option analysis and substitution verification.

III. Recommended High-Efficiency Preparation Resources

1. Past Papers: The Core Preparation Resource

Past papers are the most direct way to understand the exam style, difficulty, and question distribution.

Suggestions for Using Past Papers

Stage of Use Method Expected Outcome
Initial Understanding Skim the past 1–2 years’ papers to get a feel for the question style Build an overall understanding of the exam
Topic-Specific Training Practice questions by category, e.g., focus on geometry problems Master problem-solving patterns for specific question types
Mock Exams Complete full papers under timed conditions Improve exam-taking ability and time management
Sources of Past Papers:

Official Kangaroo Math Competition website (recent years’ papers)

Educational platforms compiling complete papers from 2015–2024

Grade-specific paper packs for targeted practice

2. Supplementary Learning Resources

In addition to past papers, the following resources can effectively improve preparation efficiency:

Math thinking training books: Fun math reads that develop logical reasoning

Online learning platforms: Interactive question banks and video explanations

Math game apps: Gamified reinforcement of mathematical concepts

IV. High-Score Tips and Common Mistakes by Grade

1. Detailed High-Score Techniques

Geometry Tips (30%–42% of score)

Master the reference point marking method for rotation and symmetry problems

For 3D stacking problems, use the top view to determine the base and label visible faces layer by layer

Use hands-on activities such as paper cutting and folding to develop spatial sense

Logical Reasoning Tips (25%–38% of score)

Use the multi-condition chain-breaking method to eliminate redundant information

For “true/false statement” problems, use hypothesis and verification for systematic analysis

Application and Modeling Tips (15%–28% of score)

Use the extreme value verification method and substitute answers back into the problem to check feasibility

For complex problems, convert verbal descriptions into diagrams or tables

2. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Blindly doing many questions while ignoring conceptual understanding

→ Correct approach: First understand the concepts, then practice targetedly, and maintain an error log for regular review.

Mistake 2: Ignoring time management

→ Correct approach: Strictly enforce time limits during mock exams and develop a “easy first, difficult later” strategy.

Mistake 3: Focusing too much on difficult questions and neglecting basics

→ Correct approach: Ensure full marks on 3-point questions before tackling 4-point and 5-point questions.

V. 2026 Preparation Timeline

Below is a complete timeline for preparing for the 2026 Kangaroo Math Competition:
Timeframe Core Tasks Detailed Action Plan
January 2026 Systematic review of test points Use the grade-level test point checklist to verify mastery one by one
February 2026 Strengthening specific abilities Daily targeted practice on weak areas; one mock exam per week
Early March 2026 Mock exam sprint 2–3 timed mock exams per week; analyze mistakes
Mid–late March 2026 Pre-exam adjustment Review error logs, adjust mental state, and familiarize yourself with exam procedures
Success in the Kangaroo Math Competition requires targeted preparation and scientific planning. Students in different grades should choose appropriate resources and strategies based on their own situation: lower grades focus on interest and basic thinking, while middle and upper grades need systematic training and advanced problem-solving skills.
Scan the QR code to join the exclusive Kangaroo Math study community, where a wealth of preparation materials and trial courses are waiting for you to explore!
Students preparing for the competition can download for free:
2013–2025 Kangaroo Math full PDF papers for all levels + answers + new season preparation tips

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