Mathematics

At Woodgrange Infant School we believe that it is important for young children to meet Maths ideas through direct experience and relate them to their everyday life experiences. Children learn more quickly through handling objects and talking about concepts before they are asked to represent or record ideas.

The programmes of study and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum form the content of the school curriculum for mathematics and the activities that the children undertake are planned from these.

Maths in the Early Years Foundation Stage

All children in the EYFS follow a broad-based curriculum and have a wide range of opportunities to explore mathematical concepts; both planned and self-initiated inside and outdoors. Children also take part in whole class and group activities designed to develop mathematical language and concepts. Resources are used imaginatively and creatively to stimulate curiosity and excitement about the world around them.

Children learn about numbers and about shape, space and measures, including money

Assessments are observation based and inform planning to build on prior knowledge and understanding.

Maths workshop EYFS

Helping your child learn Maths at home

Maths in Key Stage 1

Children have a daily maths lesson. Over the year they learn about:

Numbers and place value- the position and value of digits
Calculations- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including with money
Fractions- halves and quarters
Measurement of length, weight, capacity, time
Shapes- properties and movement- such as quarter turns
and for Year 2 simple statistics- interpreting graphs and tables

Each term children are given opportunities that include:

  • practical activities
  • consolidation and practice of fundamental skills and routines
  • learning through mathematical games
  • individual, group and whole class discussions and activities
  • problem solving
  • mathematical investigations
  • using computers where appropriate

Mathematics is used, applied and developed through activities in other areas of the curriculum where appropriate e.g. the use, recording and analysis of measurement skills in Science and Design technology.  

How do we assess maths?

We use a wide range of strategies to inform us about progress including:
– Observing children working
– Talking to and questioning children in groups, as a class or individually
– Marking recorded work and discussing with the children
– Reviewing recorded independent work

These assessment strategies inform learning and progress in the short term- the next few lessons and groups will be adjusted in response to this information.

Three times a year children’s work is assessed against the objectives for the year group as set out in the National Curriculum. Progress is tracked and evaluated to:

  • identify pupils in need of either support or extension
  • identify areas of difficulty or areas of strength in terms of teaching or curricular provision
  • set new targets for learning which are shared with pupils

This evidence contributes to the overall picture of achievement for each child.

IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS

At this stage children need to focus on calculating practically with objects and recording as either pictures or simple number sentences such as 6 + 5= 11 or 5 x 4= 20.

We do not introduce more formal written calculations at Woodgrange. This is something they meet much later on.

Children can get confused if they are asked to borrow etc before they fully understand what this means.

Please speak to your class teacher for more advice.

For more ideas and information please see these leaflets:

Year 1 Parents Guide

Year 2 Parents guide

Maths games to build fluency KS1

Helping your child with their maths learning in Key Stage 1