By the end of today:

• Maths learning – building blocks

• The way maths progresses in school

• Understanding the way maths is taught in school

• Different strategies to teach maths

• Some maths resources to use

• Things you can do to support maths learning at home

Anything else??

Maths building blocks• REMEMBER IT SHOULD BE FUN AND

IS NOT ABOUT FILLING IN PAGES OF SUMS

• 1 – maths done in head

• 2 – if maths is too hard, use jottings and draw pictures to help

• 3 – learn quick and efficient methods of working out on paper

• 4 – choice of formal written methods

• 5 – use a calculator if needed

Maths Strands

• Using and applying maths

• Number and algebra

• Shape, space and measure

• Handling data

Understanding the way maths progresses (handout)

• Levels – a few examples of maths in each

• Levels range from P to 6 in Primary School eg P1- P8, 1C,1B,1A etc

• End KS1 – most children Level 2

• End KS2 – most children Level 4

• BUT THERE ARE VARIATIONS AND A CHILD CAN STAY AT ONE LEVEL AND STILL BE MAKING PROGRESS

This is the way we do it…

(handout)

Maths language…HUGELY IMPORTANT TO USE A

VARIETY (handout)

Targets for pupils …

(handout)

But remember it is about gradual improvement and not a specific

level

Supporting your child at home …

(handout)

Solving word problems…

(handout)

Maths resources to use out and about…

(handout)

Bits and pieces 1…

• All maths should start with concrete materials and move towards abstract ideas – so when a child is struggling with a new concept, go back to real life, pictures and jottings

• It is ok for children to count on fingers, it is ok for them to use things like buttons, or pencils to help them work through problems

Bits and pieces 2 …

• Number lines and number squares should be used to support children’s learning at any stage

• Fractions and decimals can be introduced using whole and parts of a whole eg pizza slices, chocolate cubes, a ruler and whole centimetres and parts of a centimetres (millimetres)

Times tables …CRUCIAL

Lots of ways to learn and have fun

Please, please, please…

• Give them lots of praise and encouragement

• Be really positive

• Talk about how you do different types of maths

• Ask your child to explain their thinking

• Do active maths in real life

• MAKE IT FUN!!