Maths No Problem!

Parents Workshop 15.5.19

The National Curriculum

Why Singapore Maths? (MNP)

A highly effective approach to teaching Maths based on research and

evidence. Recommended by the Department for Education.

Whole school approach

Builds fluency skills

Introduces new concepts using:

- Concrete experience

- Pictorial representation

- Abstract understanding

Children learn to think mathematically – not just learning the process

Teaches strategies such as the bar model to visualise problems

Whole class moves through content at the same pace

When teaching maths for mastery, the whole class moves through topics at broadly the

same pace. Each topic is studied in depth and the teacher does not move to the next

stage until all children demonstrate that they have a secure understanding of

mathematical concepts.

Time to think deeply about the maths

Students are given time to think deeply about the maths and really understand concepts

at a relational level rather than as a set of rules or procedures. This slower pace leads to

greater progress because it ensures that students are secure in their understanding and

teachers don’t need to revisit topics once they’ve been covered in depth.

Builds self-confidence in learners

In a traditional primary school maths lesson, children are put in different groups and given

different content based on their anticipated ability. This means that from an early age

children are classed as those who can and can’t “do maths”. Teaching maths for mastery is

different because it offers all pupils access to the full maths curriculum. This inclusive

approach, and its emphasis on promoting multiple methods of solving a problem, builds self-

confidence and resilience in pupils.

Differentiates through depth rather than acceleration

Though the whole class goes through the same content at the same pace, there is still plenty

of opportunity for differentiation. Unlike the old model, where advanced learners are

accelerated through new content, those pupils who grasp concepts quickly are challenged

with rich and sophisticated problems within the topic. Those children who are not sufficiently

fluent are provided additional support to consolidate their understanding before moving on.

https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/parent-videos/fundamental

Bar Modelling

Bar modelling is an essential maths mastery strategy. A Singapore-style of maths model,

bar modelling allows pupils to draw and visualize mathematical concepts to solve

problems.

A versatile maths model strategy that can be used across a wide range of concepts and

topics

Gives pupils a powerful and adaptable strategy for solving increasingly difficult problems

Allows pupils to understand on a conceptual level what occurs when using complex

formulas (for example, algebra)

https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/parent-videos/

MNP Characters

These children appear throughout the programme. They give the children problems to

solve as well as explaining their own mathematical thinking.

Lesson Structure

In Focus

Let’s Learn

Guided Practice

Worksheet

Extension Activities

Journaling

Chapter 3 – Lesson 3

Textbook Pages 57-58

LO: Recall two times table

In Focus

Children discuss their thinking

Suggest various methods or representations

Demonstrate misconceptions

How many different ways can we solve the problem?

Which do we think is most efficient and why?

Let’s Learn

Let’s find out how our friends did…

Talk through clear examples and ensure children can see the visuals.

Let’s Learn

Guided Practice

All children should achieve this

- Scaffolds

- Paired work

- Guided Group

Worksheet

Extension – deepening knowledge

What went wrong?

Charles was counting in twos from 6.

He said “6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15”.

What do you notice?

Sophie counted in 2’s. She said 14,

16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

Can you see a pattern?

Write a Maths story for 5 x 2

Extension – deepening knowledge

Susie starts at 0. She counts six

jumps of two. What number

does she finish on?

How many methods can you

think of to solve the problem?

If I know that 10 x 2 = 20, what else

do I know?

Journaling

Bronze: What did you find easy and hard about the two times table? (Sentence stems provided

for those who need it):

Silver: A friend wants to solve 7 x 2. Write down one way that they could work out the answer.

Gold: Write three methods down for a friend that you found helpful when solving problems in the

two times table.

Platinum: What do you notice about the numbers in the two times tables? Can you share a rule

for deciding if a number is in the two times table?

Parent Videos

https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/parent-videos/

Good to explore this resource. They offer ideas about

mathematical operations and strategies such as the Bar Model.

Thank you for coming

Any questions?