Maths Is Beautiful
Maths Is Beautiful
In this section we provide some ideas that support embedding this life skill. In order to retain the different mental maths strategies taught in schools, they must be practised. The mental maths boxes and card games accommodate for these practises. The boxes are designed to be used in educational establishments, however, they are easily adaptable to be used in a home setting. If you need further guidance regarding these mental maths boxes then, do get in touch. The card games are versatile, adaptable and suitable for home learning too.
The aim of this activity is to mentally calculate addition and subtraction questions from 0 to 20. It is suitable as a whole class activity from EYFS to Year 2, where appropriate as an intervention in KS2.
Who can lead it? Teacher or Teaching Assistant.
How long will it take? 5 minutes.
When should I use it? Any time in a school day as a daily activity.
Do I need anything to prepare in advance? Yes. You will need to choose your questions from the link below. Then place all cut out questions into a container/ box for use.
How do I use it? Select a question at random from the box to be answered as a whole class activity. Repeat 5 times by selecting other questions. Transfer the asked questions into the mc squared box (or another container/box) to be used after 3 weeks or a month as memory recall questions.
The aim of this activity is to mentally calculate. It is suitable as a whole class activity for children in primary.
Who can lead it? Teacher/ Teaching assistant. However, once it has been set up, it can be student led too.
How long will it take? 5 minutes.
When should I use it? Any time in a school day as a daily activity.
Do I need anything to prepare in advance? Yes. You will need to do 2 things. First, make your own mc squared box or any useable container/box. Second, write a range of questions on small pieces of paper and place them in the box.
How do I use it? Select a question at random from the box to be answered as a whole class activity. Repeat 5 times by selecting other questions.
Extra Information:
1) If you create a replica of the mc squared box as shown in the image, scrunch the pieces of paper with the questions and place them inside the box from the top opening/lid. To select a question, remove it from the bottom flap/opening of the mc squared box.
2) 5 new questions should be created and added to the box, daily. If child-led then, this will provide an opportunity for each child to create questions as well as ask the questions.
3) For memory recall, transfer the asked questions into another box and revisit some of the questions after a period of time, for example: one month.
4) Use your assessment to address any misconceptions or show alternative strategies the moment they arise. In which case you will need to allow more time for this activity.
For card games click here
