Mathematics – Teachie Tings

The Benefits of Daily Maths Review

Mathematics is often viewed as one of the most challenging subjects in school. However, it’s also one of the most fundamental skills students need to succeed in various aspects of life. To truly master mathematics, students must adopt a consistent and structured approach. One highly effective strategy is the practice of daily maths review. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of incorporating daily maths review into a student’s routine.

1. Reinforcement of Key Concepts

Daily maths review provides a continuous opportunity for students to reinforce essential mathematics concepts. When students revisit topics regularly, they are more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical principles. This consistent reinforcement ensures that previously learned concepts become second nature, making it easier to grasp more advanced topics.

2. Improved Retention and Long-Term Learning

Studies have shown that frequent exposure to information leads to improved retention and long-term learning. When students engage in daily maths review, they strengthen their memory and enhance their ability to recall information. This is especially important when it comes to mathematics, as each new concept builds upon the foundation of previously learned material.

3. Increased Problem-Solving Skills

Mathematics is not just about memorising formulas and procedures; it’s also about developing critical problem-solving skills. Daily maths review encourages students to tackle a variety of math problems regularly, helping them become more proficient in problem-solving techniques. Over time, this leads to increased confidence in their ability to approach and solve math challenges.

4. Reduced Test Anxiety

One of the leading causes of test anxiety is the fear of forgetting important concepts or formulas during an exam. Daily maths review significantly reduces this anxiety by ensuring that students have a firm grasp of the material. When students are confident in their knowledge and skills, they are more likely to perform well on tests and assessments.

5. Time Management and Consistency

Establishing a daily maths review routine also helps students develop crucial life skills such as time management and consistency. By setting aside a specific time each day to review math concepts, students learn to manage their time effectively and establish productive habits that can benefit them in various areas of their lives.

6. Adaptability to Changing Curriculum

The curriculum in schools can change, and students may encounter new topics or teaching methods. Daily maths review equips students with the ability to adapt to these changes more easily. They become flexible learners who can quickly grasp new concepts and integrate them into their existing knowledge base.

7. Confidence Boost

Finally, daily maths review provides a significant confidence boost. As students see consistent improvement in their math skills, they gain confidence not only in mathematics but also in their overall academic abilities. This newfound confidence can have a positive ripple effect on their performance in other subjects as well.

In conclusion, daily maths review is a powerful tool that can transform a student’s mathematical journey. By reinforcing key concepts, improving retention, enhancing problem-solving skills, reducing test anxiety, and instilling important life skills, it sets the stage for academic success. Students who make daily maths review a part of their routine are better equipped to excel in math and beyond, unlocking a world of opportunities for themselves. So, why wait? Start your daily maths review today and reap the benefits of this invaluable practice.

Try our Daily Maths Review Slides…

Number talks to Build Confidence in Mathematics

Number talks are a powerful instructional strategy that can help build student confidence in mathematics. They are a method that not only simplifies math discussions but also enhances your students’ comprehension of those seemingly elusive numbers. Number talks thrive on collaboration, providing students with the opportunity to share their mathematical insights while gaining valuable perspectives from others. Would you like to try implementing them in your classroom?

Here’s how they boost confidence in mathematics:

Encourage Risk-Taking: Number talks create a safe environment where students can share their thinking and ideas without fear of judgment or criticism. This encourages students to take risks and participate in class, which can boost their confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Provides Opportunities for Success: During number talks, students are encouraged to share multiple strategies for solving problems. This allows students to find success in different ways, even if they may struggle with a particular method. This can help build their confidence by allowing them to see that there are many ways to approach and solve a problem.
Emphasizes the Process, Not Just the Answer: Number talks emphasize the importance of the process of problem-solving, not just the answer. This takes the pressure off students to get the right answer and instead focuses on their thought process and reasoning. This can help students feel more confident in their abilities to approach and solve problems.
Provides Immediate Feedback: During number talks, students receive immediate feedback from their teacher and peers. This can help them understand their thinking and identify areas where they may need more support. This feedback can help build their confidence by providing clear next steps and helping them to improve their problem-solving skills.

Overall, number talks can help build student confidence in mathematics by creating a safe, supportive environment where students can take risks, find success in different ways, focus on the process of problem-solving, and receive immediate feedback.

Try our Number Talks today!

How to Differentiate Maths Instruction when using Daily Maths Slides

One of the greatest work/life-balance hacks that I have added to my teaching is daily maths revision slides. They enable me to easily differentiate maths whilst saving planning time!

These slides have meant that no matter what, my students have had curriculum-relevant work to complete helping them to achieve their learning goals.

They’re no-prep– just display the daily slide on the smartboard and teach students a learning routine that includes getting ready, setting up their book, completing the work, and what to do when they are finished.

However, many teachers wonder how you can differentiate mathematics when using slides like these in classrooms with different abilities.

One size doesn’t fit all – but you can use one easy-to-use tool and differentiate for your students using a few strategies:

Differentiate Maths with All, most, some.

Choose which students should complete which questions. Some students will be able to complete all of the work, some will be able to complete most of the work, and some students will only finish some work.

You can colour code questions using dry-erase markers, magnets, or even by writing in individual students’ books.

Differentiate Maths with Mini-learning groups

Identify students who are struggling with a concept, and while the rest of the class continues to daily slides, complete mini-lessons with students who are struggling with that question or concept.

Use Hands-on learning

Ensure concrete manipulatives are available for students to use if needed. I think we often put away concrete materials too early – almost all ages can benefit from counters, MABs, hundreds charts, etc

Grab out these items and ensure they are in reach – even for digital slides and bookwork!

Ensure you have Printed copies

Some students have trouble transferring from the walls of our classroom. Provide printed copies of the slides for those students. Remember to print in greyscale to save on colour printing.

Remember to Extend with Number Talks

Always make note of activities that students need extra support in – and spend extra time debugging those activities at the end of the lesson. A number talk is a perfect activity for brainstorming strategies, working through them, and giving students at least one entry point into a problem.

Ensure Increased Visual Perception

Use different colors when working through answers on the board.
Provide printed copies
Highlight key terms (circle with a dry-erase marker or use actual highlighter) and make sure that students understand written questions.
Ensure the student is close enough to see the slides.

Enhance Auditory Processing

Repeat instructions to ensure understanding
Restate instructions to students individually

Why daily maths slides?

Using a repetitive activity with students enables them to place their cognitive attention on the content, rather than on the process of the task. Once a routine is established with students, they are able to begin working straight away. This reduces your time spent on classroom management and reduces anxiety within your classroom.

Differentiation doesn’t always mean different work. There is a range of different strategies you can use to ensure that students can access the work that you are providing while proving an anchor for routine learning and revision in your classroom.

Bump It Up Walls in Mathematics

I am frequently asked how to create a Bump It Up Walls in Mathematics.

Although maths walls may appear to be trickier, the premise is the same. The awesome thing is that the benefits to your students will also be the same! Visible learning and teaching really matters and has a huge impact on student learning.

Let’s get into the steps we need to take to get started with Bump It Up Walls in maths!

How to create a Bump It Up Wall for Mathematics

A mathematics BIUW needs a Learning Intention and leveled samples (worked examples). As with any Bump It Up Wall, you should be guided by your marking rubric. This will tell you how many levels you will need on your wall (generally A, B, C, and sometimes D standard).

Create your A using the marking rubric. Your ‘A’ sample should be 100% correct, align with the A on your marking guide (not working beyond), and demonstrate the most efficient/preferred method.

List the Success Criteria (‘I can’ statements) needed to achieve the A. and display below the sample.

Once your ‘A’ is created, create your B and C levels, etc.

Again, be guided by your marking rubric. Some differentiating factors in mathematics can include accuracy of calculations, application of an effective strategy, and inclusion of all elements/steps.

Look at the verbs in your marking guide to include skills within your success criteria. For example, ‘I can decode the question’; ‘I can decide on a strategy’; ‘I can defend my strategy/answer.’

Once you have your samples and success criteria for each sample, you are ready to display your wall. In the early days of your unit, your student can perform a pre-test and then identify where they currently sit on the Bump It Up Wall. They will then see how they can boost their own achievement by referring to the wall.

To turn your Mathematics Bump It Up Wall into a learning wall:

Add your marking rubric
Add vocabulary and definitions (re-written in student language)
A list of skills we already know that can help us
Can I complete this using a mental method? Can I use a mental method plus some notes? Do I need to use a written method? Do I need a calculator?
Can I explain this method to someone else?
Include easy access to manipulatives and learning wall ‘take-aways’ such as number lines, hundred squares, MAB blocks, and protractors – whatever your students may need.
Ensure displays are large enough to see from a few meters away and that they are at the students’ level.
Use abstract and real-life examples to demonstrate their concept.

Tip: Integrate STAR strategy for word problems and problem-solving: https://faculty.uca.edu/ronkb/bramlett/Star%20Strategy%20Math%20intervention.pdf