“Learners should be given opportunities to explore mathematically rich environments both indoors and outdoors.
”
Numeracy is an integral part of life and if we want to raise standards in numeracy, it needs to be an integral part of daily life in schools.
Changing Mindsets
Mathematically rich environments are an important aspect of the new curriculum for Wales, but it is more than just making sure that there are mathematical resources available. Putting a ruler in the play area won’t ensure that children use their measuring skills. They are just as likely to use it as a sword.
So if making sure mathematical resources are available isn’t the answer, what is? Well, there are a number of steps that we can take, and the first step we need to take is to encourage our school communities to think mathematically. We need to change our mindsets and become numeracy-rich schools.
Where do we start?
First, we need to know how numeracy-rich our environment already is. Completing a numeracy learning walk highlights good practice already taking place within the school, which can be shared. It also flags up any issues such as lack of progression or patchy numeracy opportunities.
Social Media
I tweet #numeracyrich tips. A simple idea or strategy that can be implemented with minimal preparation for a big impact. Rachel@CullyEducation
Tweak what you have
Many schools already have various activities and resources that are numeracy-rich and just need a small tweak to focus on the numeracy.
Does your school have a tuck shop for example? Set up a management team to look after the budget and collect data on the most popular/profitable snack. This could be MAT learners or representatives from each class on a rolling basis. Classes can take it in turns to create and sell healthy snacks such as smoothies which will develop budgeting, measuring, number and data skills.
Be Inspired
For further whole school ideas on developing a numeracy-rich school, have a look at my numeracy-rich online course. Designed in bite-sized chunks for busy teachers, it has 100s of effective numeracy-rich strategies and resources that need minimal preparation but have a big impact.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”