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Cognition and Learning|Numeracy/ Maths

Tools and tips

Non- Maths Subjects- create links!

Link learning to maths and other lessons, use numbers in your lesson either statistics or graphs and charts are great activities. Talk about time related events and time in general, this is something that students with mathematical difficulties really struggle with and are best taught using timelines. If you are teaching something with numbers ask the maths department for some keywords or links. By linking learning in this way you allow students to apply their knowledge of maths to other areas and create meaningful contexts and links.

Use Numeracy Mats and Scaffolds

Use Numeracy Mats to scaffold learning: Allow students scaffolding and support from timetable grids and number lines (excellent for seeing connections and commutative properties). Students who struggle to remember information by rote can often be excluded form learning more advanced topics, by giving them a scaffold this will allow them to move on. I have included some numeracy scaffolds in the Toolbox Section.

Regularly review mental strategies

Use anchor charts and prior learning on your walls and regularly review them, they could be included in exit strategies or numeracy hunts. Here is a link to a useful website for free simple maths (and other subject) displays.

Make time for consolidating learning

With pressures on curriculum coverage it is easy to move on to the next topic too quickly, however I would advise that more work spent now on consolidating topics will mean less time later on re-teaching. Try using some of the questions from the 'Critical Thinking Skills -Bloom Doc' in the Toolbox Section.

Chunk up Learning

Teach and practice step by step strategies > display them on the wall > refer to them often.

Inner Ear

Use inner ear to rehearse calculations. This is a skill that may need developing in some students, it may mean asking students to think aloud, and talk you through what they are thinking. Meta-cognition (thinking about thinking) is an important skill to develop and is one of the habits of minds that need to be considered in overall student development. (16 Habits of Mind Poster is included in Toolbox Section)

ToolBOX