"From the Number Partners sessions, I have learnt times tables but I want to learn MORE! I learnt division, adding and taking away."

Student

classroom-3

Maths tips

Maths, along with English and ICT, is one of the core subjects being taught in schools. The Number Partners programme is intended to support numeracy in schools, so it's useful for you to have some understanding of what numeracy involves for students and, in particular, which aspects of numeracy the programme can best support. More information on relevant parts of the curriculum can be found in the About education section.

Mental maths is all about solving number problems in your head. By offering mental maths activities through Number Partners games, you are giving students the chance to improve their maths skills in a fun and exciting way.

In addition, numeracy is a crucial skill for financial literacy which is now an important part of both the primary and secondary school curricula. Helping to improve students' mathematical skills will benefit the personal finance education now on offer.

Number Partners can encourage students to approach mathematical and financial challenges in different ways. You can help students become familiar with a variety of number strategies as they tackle mathematical problems.

Below are some tips that should help you get the most from the content of your session.

Knowledge

It is important to know the games and their aims - you can download simple instructions on the Number Partners games. Schools and employers can also order board games and resources from Education Interactive. Number Partners Game Set for ages 5 to 7/ 7 to 11/ 11-14 and Number Challenge Games Set 1and 2 are recommended.

Strategies

  • Change and adapt the rules of the games as the term progresses, this can make it more interesting and challenging.
  • If students are getting restless, change the activity - it could be too easy or a little too challenging.
  • Don't be afraid to digress from the game if a student asks you to explain or is keen to try something else. Use your knowledge and real life experience to help you.
  • Ask them to explain - even if they are right! This lets you know that it is not a fluke and may help them cement the process in their own head. It will also make it less daunting when you need to pick apart a wrong answer!
    Exercise: Write yourself a list of friendly How? What? Why? questions that you can use in your sessions.
  • Once you have asked a question, give them time to explain. Although they have the right answer, it might take a little time to work out how to explain it to you.
  • Always exhaust mental methods before reaching for a written method or a calculator.
  • There are lots of ways to solve a number problem. Strategies like number lines or multiplication facts should help them with trickier sums. You can get a quick guide to these with our strategies sheet. However, they may have gone about it in a completely different way. If the answer is correct and they can explain how they got there - it's okay!
  • Use the right vocabulary. Using terms that students use in class will make it easier for them - if you have a new term to teach them, explain it and go back later to check they have got it. Some handy vocabulary can be found on the strategies sheet.
  • Where possible, use a real life context to help explain tricky number situations or develop ideas.