Maths at Tattingstone Primary School
As a school, we have focused on teaching children concepts with physical objects, pictorial representations and lastly as a calculation. The ideology behind this is to give the Maths a purpose and also to provide children with concrete learning opportunities before introducing an abstract concept. To see this teaching sequence in action, please look at our Calculation Policy, which we have adapted from the White Rose Maths Hub.
We are also using the White Rose Plans to structure our teaching and are trialling their assessments. These materials are very challenging and focus on developing the children’s reasoning skills. In addition, we use the NCETM website which also has links to NRich activities.
After direct teaching, all pupils have the opportunity to undertake a task of varying challenge, from red (easiest), yellow, green and blue being the most difficult. As we have mixed age classes, the red task will be aimed at just below the expectation for the lowest year group within a class. Yellow task at expectation for the lower year group, green is at expectations for the higher year group and blue is above the higher year group. Of course, they maybe exceptions to this according to the lesson.
Doodle Maths
Doodle Maths is an online programme/app which can be downloaded onto a lap top, tablet or phone. The programme begins with an assessment of your child’s needs and then sets very repetitive tasks for them to do, which help develop and embed their concepts, skills and understanding. Children only need to spend 5-10 minutes a day on their Doodle Maths for it to have a positive impact on their progress.
Every child has their own log in for Doodle Maths, which have been sent home. If yours has been misplaced, either ask your class teacher or Mrs McCulloch for a new log in.
Want to do more at home?
Try some of these websites:
http://primarygamesarena.com/Subjects/Maths
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5-7-years/counting For Key Stage 1