Numeracy: Conjure with numbers

It is a great privilege to be able to stand in front of a class of children and help them along the way in their journey with maths. As teachers, we already know how fascinating and vital maths can be. To our adult eyes the wonder of maths is all around us: in a honeycomb, in GPS, in cracking the Enigma code, in Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, in the swirl of an ammonite. I am no different from you, yet, I wasn’t long in teaching before I realised that the children’s enthusiasm for the subject did not match my own. I realised that I needed to get them switched on – and quickly. I have since gathered together a treasure trove of gems that add sparkle to my maths lessons. Here are just a few ideas, linked to the National Curriculum Attainment Target 2 (Number and Algebra).

ACTIVITIES Ages 7-11