Enriching primary maths

scameron — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:13:16 +0100

I had really hoped that the renewed Primary Framework of 2006 would have addressed the issue of enriching mathematics in the classroom, as it had intended. Enrichment has been addressed by more confident and creative teachers, but in many classrooms there seems to have been little change so far.

Supporting children with dyscalculia

scameron — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:38:28 +0000

Most people these days have heard of dyslexia, but what about dyscalculia? In layman’s terms, this can be described as a condition like dyslexia, but involving difficulties with numbers instead of letters. Much less is known about dyscalculia than is now known about dyslexia but it’s important for SENCOs to understand the implications and to be able to advise colleagues about how to support pupils who experience problems associated with numbers. This week we highlight the main issues and provide details of where to go for further information.

Multisensory maths for teaching SEN

scameron — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:36:17 +0000

Working with children who find maths difficult can become a ‘mission impossible’ if the adults involved with those children are not aware that there are alternative ways of helping them to learn and understand maths. In my experience – (long and varied!) – I have found that the best approach for these children from Year 1 right up to secondary age is to simply ‘start again’ using multisensory, hands on methods and concrete experiences.

The future of primary maths

scameron — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:00:08 +0000

Until recently I was a consultant for the National Strategy. I took on the role when it was first introduced nationally to schools in 1999. Since that time I have seen huge changes in the teaching of mathematics. Much of the teaching I have observed has improved over the years, and in many cases the engagement of the children (and their enjoyment of the subject) was evident.

Teaching maths to EAL children

scameron — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:15:10 +0000

The importance of mathematical language can never be underestimated and we have been reminded in the recent Williams review of its importance in developing our pupil’s mathematical skills and understanding.
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How sports can engage students in maths

scameron — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:19:11 +0000

So Shane Warne has finally retired from first class cricket. The lure of the rupee and the poker table, not to mention family and many other business commitments, means that a year and a half after playing his last test match, the incomparable leg-spinner will not be turning out for Hampshire again.
There is a vast array of statistics on the web, so the study of sporting superstars like Warne can bring primary data handling projects to life.
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Christmas maths resources

scameron — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:28:06 +0000

Download and print these lesson activities out for some festive educational fun.
Taken from The Primary Christmas File, edited by Nick Hutchins, David Playfoot and Martin Skelton (no longer published)

Maths resources: Sunshine Game and Rounders

scameron — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:52:17 +0100

Both these maths games encourage Year 3 pupils to understand numbers and the numbers system by engaging them in group activity.
Taken from Maths Games for ages 7 to 11, edited by Godfrey Hall (no longer published)

Supporting the learning of maths

scameron — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:25:31 +0100

The impact of the way mathematics was taught to us in school has a great effect on our attitudes and enthusiasm for the subject. If mathematics was a subject you had a natural aptitude for, you may have shone in lessons. But what if maths was a subject you never fully understood? If you were taught it, but did not actually learn or apply it to real life, then your attitude may be somewhat different.
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Provision for pupils with dyscalculia

scameron — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:06:57 +0100

Definition
Mathematics disorder/dyscalculia is defined as, ‘a condition that affects the ability to acquire mathematical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems with learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce the correct answer or use the correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence’ (Department of Education and Skills, 2001).

Curriculum and assessment and organisation
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Creative teaching: Myths and legends numeracy projects

sara — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:28:25 +0100

Myths and legends numeracy projects

Written by Juliet Smith

This ready-to-use and comprehensive classroom resource includes the following:

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Spotting pupils with numeracy difficulties

sara — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:21:37 +0100

Pupils have difficulties with numbers and numerical operations for a variety of reasons, including inadequate or inappropriate first teaching, absence from school resulting in gaps in mathematics learning, and lack of early 'mathematical' and language experience in the home. Some experience specific difficulties which may lead to a diagnosis of dyscalculia, or be connected to the learner's dyslexia (more on this next week). Whatever the causes, the most common areas of concern involve difficulties with:
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Be creative with maths

jlee — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:20:43 +0100
Numeracy is an essential part of the curriculum – and one of the first concerns of any Ofsted inspector. It is all too easy to fall into the lessons-by-rote trap when teaching maths, simply because there are so many required elements to be covered throughout the year. A steady diet of worksheets can be the quickest way to boredom on everyone’s part – and bored children soon start playing up. Always being on the lookout for new ideas and being willing to try them out helps stop lessons and teachers from becoming stale.

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Numeracy lesson plan: probability key stage 2

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:20:42 +0100

Go straight to the lesson plan or read on for background rationale.

I’ve always enjoyed teaching probability, largely due to the many opportunities for playing a variety of games with pupils, often using dice. However, in the rush to look at fractions, probability space diagrams (tables) or the rules of probability, I have often skipped over the section on handling data, which considers developing the language associated with probability .

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The renewed Primary Framework and SEN

jlee — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:20:41 +0100
The renewed Primary Framework, which came into force in September 2007, is a response to Excellence and enjoyment: a strategy for primary schools. Some of the messages in this document could have been written by staff in special schools:

‘Excellent teaching gives children the life chances they deserve... Enjoyment is the birthright of every child. But the most powerful mix is the one that brings the two together. Children learn better when they are excited and engaged—but whatexcites and engages them best is truly excellent teaching.’

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The learning journey for maths

jlee — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:20:37 +0100
The education journey from Foundation stage to GCSE should indeed be a journey of excitement and exploration and a route once travelled never forgotten. The enjoyment of what you tried, how you tackled it and who shared the experiences with you should be memorable. But what is the reality of the journey through some of our educational establishments? One that is engaging, interesting and fulfilling or a journey inadvertently forgotten, like a drive through a dull and lifeless landscape?
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Renewed Primary Framework for Mathematics

jlee — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:20:37 +0100
Introduction

The introduction of the Renewed Primary Framework for Mathematics brought with it concerns from teachers that all of their current planning would have to be renewed from scratch. It seems that the government’s constant updating of frameworks and strategies has an amazing ability to ‘frighten’ teachers into thinking that they have to start again with their lesson planning. This concern is reflected in the current TES bulletin boards, where many teachers are voicing their opinions.

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Dyscalculia

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:20:03 +0100

It may be a difficulty with counting and calculating, understanding abstract maths concepts or working with numbers and symbols.

Key characteristics

Children with dyscalculia may have:
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Making sense of the world of mathematics

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:19:58 +0100

What is mathematics?
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KS3 strategy 'must be a priority'

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:19:30 +0100
One in 10 schools have been found to lack commitment to the Secondary National Strategy (formally known as the Key Stage 3 Strategy). Transfer of data about pupils’ achievements when they move from primary to secondary school is poor in nearly one-quarter of schools. Schools in general are not doing enough to ensure that those who begin school in Year 7 with English and maths results below the average improve their skills, continues the inspectors’ report.

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Able mathematicians

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:19:28 +0100

Joe's Story
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Responding to the needs of pupils with dyscalculia

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:19:27 +0100

It is somehow much more acceptable to be poor at maths than it is to be a struggling reader or have limited writing skills. There is less shame attached to confessing about ‘not being good with figures’ than there is in admitting ‘I can’t read very well’. This is one reason why teachers have, for a long time, accepted children’s lack of progress in maths when they would go to great lengths to improve their literacy skills.
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Emerging mathematicians

admin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:19:16 +0100

Esther usually does not comment or offer a response to mathematical questions in class. It doesn’t seem to matter if she is in a one-to-one situation or a pair or a small group, she just does not seem to feel comfortable mathematically.
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Numeracy

Enriching primary maths

Supporting children with dyscalculia

Multisensory maths for teaching SEN

The future of primary maths

Teaching maths to EAL children

How sports can engage students in maths

Christmas maths resources

Taken from The Primary Christmas File, edited by Nick Hutchins, David Playfoot and Martin Skelton (no longer published)

Maths resources: Sunshine Game and Rounders

Taken from Maths Games for ages 7 to 11, edited by Godfrey Hall (no longer published)

Supporting the learning of maths

Provision for pupils with dyscalculia

Creative teaching: Myths and legends numeracy projects

Spotting pupils with numeracy difficulties

Be creative with maths

Numeracy lesson plan: probability key stage 2

The renewed Primary Framework and SEN

The learning journey for maths

Renewed Primary Framework for Mathematics

Dyscalculia

Making sense of the world of mathematics

KS3 strategy 'must be a priority'

Able mathematicians

Responding to the needs of pupils with dyscalculia

Emerging mathematicians