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.

So Chuffed!

The #MathsForParents course has just recently finished.

I was really struck by the comment from one parent:

‘Feel happy. This course has changed my negative view.’

It is so great to hear this as for so many people negative attitudes to maths is such a heavy weight.

I feel so chuffed!  I must get this course out to more people!

At the first AGM of the Tutors’ Association 16th July 2014

Went to the first AGM of the Tutors’ Association yesterday. It was really good to meet people and be part of stimulating discussions.

Excellent talk from Professor Emerita Judy Ireson about her research on tutoring. 

Parental support in the news again: The most important help – providing the right environment

Glad to see that parental involvement in supporting their children’s education is once again in the news. The question is as always what sort of help should be given?

The importance of providing the right environment is highlighted by Hilary Wilce’s article in The Independent.

This echoes what I said in my Help Your Child With Numeracy books and on my website about the most important help – providing the right environment. Make sure your child has a good diet, gets enough sleep and has a mixture of social activities. Have a laugh with them! Having this balance is very important, especially during exam times when they are older - and parents are generally much better equipped than teenagers when it comes to keeping things on an even keel!

It is also so important to realise that we learn in different ways, and to respect that. Nor should we make assumptions too readily: not all boys are outspoken or disorganised, neither are all girls quiet and subdued. 

Parents do have an important role in helping to give the right balance.  Being aware of what is going on in schools today with maths means they can also support their children’s learning without confusing them. 

Really enjoying being part of National Numeracy Parental Engagement Expert Group

I am so pleased to be part of National Numeracy’s Parental Engagement Expert Group. http://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/home/index.html Just read the notes from our last meeting. It is so good to be sharing with others who have expertise in this area and are wanting to involve families with maths and fun!!. I am really looking forward to Maths on Toast’s second birthday celebrations soon. http://www.mathsontoast.org.uk/