Maths Makes Sense

Recently, whilst on my third Professional Practice, I had the opportunity to observe a mathematics lesson based on the Maths Makes Sense Programme. The lesson focussed on simple addition. The following  video demonstrates the addition method which was introduced to the children in the session:

The children worked with a mat each, where one side is a ‘Resource Table’ and the other is a ‘Maths Table’. The children used paper cups to have physical objects which they can use. Their Maths Makes Sense mats were laid out like the following photograph:

The children found it easy to use and showed a lot of progress within the 50 minute mathematics session. The children were thoroughly engaged in the session and chose it as a continuous provision activity throughout the day to revisit.

This is a method I hope to adopt in future mathematics lessons, throughout my final year placement and teaching career.

How it meets the standards:

• TS1: I think that this piece of evidence shows that I am working towards section A of this standard because we had to establish a safe environment for the activity before introducing the children to it. Even though I was only observing this lesson, I still had to ensure that all of the children were sensible with the equipment which we provided them.
• TS2: This evidence also shows that I am working towards part D of standard 2, as whilst observing this activity I had to demonstrate my current knowledge and understanding of how children in Key Stage 1 learn and how it impacts on the teaching which was provided.
• TS3: I think that this evidence shows I am working towards 3 areas of standard 3, parts A, B and E. I had to develop my own knowledge of mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1, as well as understanding how developments can be made in the subject and curriculum area. It was also an opportunity to learn more about mathematics in the Early Years, and Key Stage 1, and to think about how I could implement the strategies which I had seen into my own teaching.
• TS5: 3 areas of this standard have been addressed with this piece of evidence, B, C and D. I had an insight on how a range of factors can inhibit pupils’ ability to learn, and had a chance to develop my understanding of physical, social and intellectual development of children, especially in the earlier years of the Primary Education. Also, in the class were children with additional needs and with English as an Additional Language, so I had the opportunity to observe how the learning can be enhanced to aid these children.