SCHOOL SUPPLIERS


Making maths meaningful How children are regaining their ‘ah-ha’ moments in maths


needs of pupils’ ever-changing learning processes using existing classroom manipulatives. Pupils can dip in and out of different mathematical concepts as they provide fun ways to learn. Continued Ashley, “Using a variety of household objects, such as a bottle, clock and calendar, the cards demonstrate how maths is practical in everyday life. They allow children to remove themselves from often daunting and complicated mathematical problems to engage in appealing and relevant activities. This element of fun has been seen to enhance pupils’ experiences and test scores.”


The Brain Boosters curriculum activity cards from YPO have also proved popular for setting up Learning Centres in the classroom where pupils tackle a challenge in groups of three to six. Each activity can be used for mainstream teaching, expert sessions, catch-up or homework classes.


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hildren are natural mathematicians. They instinctively stack blocks, sort their toys, and measure as they clap to the beat of their favourite tune. All of these activities allow children to experience maths as they experiment with new ideas and problem solving. For teachers, creating an environment in the classroom which encourages this curiosity is key. Interesting props and resources which offer hands-on and visual hooks to understand new concepts in maths are essential equipment. An innovative new resource accredited with empowering teachers to present mathematical concepts in a tactical way is Brain Boosters curriculum activity cards from YPO, the UK’s largest publicly-owned buying organisation which specialises in supplying products and services to schools. Using existing classroom resources, the cards are designed to help pupils ‘get to grips’ with difficult concepts. The product was highly commended at the Education Resources Awards 2017 in the Primary Resource or Equipment - Non ICT category - in recognition of its innovative approach to inspiring engaging learning practices.


“Research has shown that teaching with physical manipulatives – such as counters, measuring equipment, and bead strings - has a significant positive impact on learning,” says Ashley Cartwright, YPO buyer for curriculum products, “When used as part of a well thought- out lesson plan, they can help teachers maximise the engagement of pupils by building mathematical understanding from multiple learning approaches. For example, abstract concepts such as addition can be taught with


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different manipulatives, such as ten frames, maths cubes, and base ten blocks, and embedded within practical examples to build maths sensory teaching.”


The Brain Booster curriculum cards provide a comprehensive resource for maths activities with each card referencing the teaching objective, resources required and the teaching procedure. Developed in partnership with world-renowned neuro-educator and founder of Junior Learning, Dr Duncan Milne, they are designed to meet the


Brain Boosters curriculum activity cards are £14.99 per set, with each set containing 50 activities. The complete range, featuring 500 teaching activities, costs a little under £150. The easy-to-use card format enables multiple users at different developmental levels to share the resource at the same time. Teachers can also use different cards at different Learning Centres to maximise the use of the cards and existing classroom resources. Written specifically to meet the needs of new UK curriculum, they work progressively from simple to advanced maths concepts.


For further information, visit www.ypo.co.uk or call email ashley.cartwright@ypo.co.uk


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