Maths Inspirations: Year 6/P7: Thinking by Numbers: Teacher's Notes
Maths inspirations Series
What’s inside...
Each of the books in the Thinking by Numbers series provides clear and practical teaching strategies to help develop children's thinking skills through mathematics. The series focuses on the five main thinking skills outlined by the National Curriculum - information processing skills, reasoning skills, enquiry skills, creative thinking skills, evaluation skills - in addition to supporting development of memory/perception skills and metacognition. Thinking by Numbers offers a wealth of ideas for inspiring lessons and activities, supported by photocopiable problems through which children can apply the skills learned. Each book includes guidance on turning any lesson into a thinking lesson, how to apply thinking skills and teaching strategies across the curriculum, and advice on formative assessment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-11
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How does thinking by numbers help us solve everyday problems?
Can you think of a situation where using mathematical thinking helped you make a decision?
What are some ways that numbers tell a story in our world?
How do you feel when you solve a maths problem correctly?
What new maths concept did you find most intriguing, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the mathematical concepts and problems in the book to real-life scenarios. This helps in deepening their understanding and appreciation for maths. Use positive reinforcement when your child shares their thoughts, making the experience enjoyable and confidence-boosting. You might also consider solving some problems together, turning the learning process into a bonding activity. It's important to be patient and open to listening to your child's perspectives and methods.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving Skills
Explanation: The book fosters problem solving through engaging mathematical puzzles and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children use these skills to approach obstacles in everyday situations, breaking them down into manageable parts.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Children are encouraged to think critically about numbers and patterns, promoting an analytical mindset.
Real-World Application: This assists children in making reasoned decisions and understanding consequences in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Through complex exercises, students learn the value of persistence and effort in achieving solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in tasks at school or in personal projects, reinforcing that effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Collaboration
Explanation: Group activities within the book teach children how to work cooperatively to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to apply teamwork skills in group settings like school projects, sports teams, and family activities.