But these things can change!

‘Can you write some sums for me, Mummy?’ said her son to Gill, one of the mums on a recent #MathsForParents course I was running.

We normally start each session sharing what has gone on between sessions and Gill confided that before doing the course, this sort of request would have filled her with dread. She would have begun to panic and she would not have known what to do.

But now she did know what to do! Instead of feeling dread, Gill was so delighted that her son had asked her.

In the sessions we had talked about simple things parents can do to help their child with maths, and the things we had discussed in the sessions came to mind and Gill creatively knew what to do.

Gill’s feelings are quite common. Many parents dread their children asking them about maths. A recent survey, which was part of National Numeracy’s Parental Engagement Project, found that 30% of parents said that doing maths made them unhappy.

The good news is… But these things can change, as Gill’s story shows.

I am so pleased! I can’t wait to hear back more of what has happened.

Both of my Help Your Child With Numeracy: Age Range 3-7, and, Help Your Child With Numeracy: Age Range 7-11, books have many suggestions on how to use everyday situations to help your child.

The second edition of Help Your Child With Numeracy: Age Range 3-7, is about to be published. I will keep you posted about when it is available. 

Great … Fun at the beach!

Glad to say that my grandchildren are coming to visit and we intend to make the most of the good weather and visit the beach.

There’s plenty of opportunity to play games at the beach and make maths part of everyday life!

For example, filling a bucket with sand helps give the idea of a full bucket, an empty bucket a half-full bucket … these are important mathematical concepts for young children.

Playing Boules – who has thrown the Boules ball the furthest? You can pace these out and see. Learning about the comparatives, such as closest and furthest is a really important mathematical. Then, who has won? Whose ball is the closest to the ‘jack’, and by how much? Is it by a hand span, finger’s width … you can use all sorts of ways to measure and so introduce simple units.

Have fun!  

National Numeracy Challenge Online

Do take a look and have a go at the National Numeracy Challenge Online.

I am very pleased to be supporting this! It can really help with everyday maths.

Everyday Maths … time

It is so easy to overlook how much we use maths as part of our everyday life. 

For example, travelling up to London by train reminded me how much maths is required just to plan this trip!

To start with, there is the use of a timetable. This means understanding how to interpret the timetable as well as knowing about the 24-hour clock, in order to decide which train to catch. Then there is working out what time I have to leave the house to ensure I get that train!

For older children, planning an outing using trains and buses is a great way to help them with maths. Have fun!

Really fabulous day in London ...

Travelled up by train to London yesterday. The train was crowded with many parents and children taking advantage of the special half-term ticket promotion offer on tickets.

One family I saw passed the time away with the children playing cards. I was reminded how simple card games are an excellent, fun way to help your child with maths.

For example, they learn about sequences playing Patience, and Pontoon is good practice for the number bonds to 21, and for older children, gives insights on probability.

It really was a fabulous day in London ...

#MathsForParents recommends National Numeracy Parent Toolkit

National Numeracy have launched their Parent Toolkit! See www.nnparenttoolkit.org.uk
Looks good and very useful for parents. Will definitely be recommending this to parents on my #MathsForParents course!

And now the next #MathsForParents course is due to start on 20th October. Met up with the host this week to discuss it.

I have been running the course in people's homes. The host invites friends, family, colleagues, neighbours etc. along. It's very relaxed and we do the course over coffee/tea and biscuits/cakes and much laughter.

Excited!

Best Wishes for The New School Year ...

New school year and so much is happening.

I know of many friends whose children are starting school for the first time or moving up to senior school. All the very best in your new ventures.