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This problem will give pupils experience of looking for, and explaining, number patterns, and it could lead into algebra. It would also make a good introduction to spreadsheet use.
You could introduce this problem practically in the classroom with children holding small whiteboards, for example. Rather than wearing coloured shirts, the children could have particular coloured pens or they might wear 'bibs' or ribbons usually used for sports matches. Arrange the sixteen children in four rows of four as in the picture and write the given numbers on the appropriate whiteboards. Once the problem has been introduced in this way, the sixteen children can return to their seats and the whole class can discuss the challenge. Learners should be given time to talk to each other in pairs or small groups as well as discussing the problem as a whole class.