Maths News
Paul Tarabay, Mathematics Leader
Why Holiday Maths Matters
As we look forward to a well-deserved break, it’s important to remember that learning doesn’t pause when school does—especially in mathematics. At St John’s, we know that consistent, low-pressure practice over the holidays can make a significant difference to student confidence and achievement when they return to school.
Why is holiday maths important?
1. Preventing the “summer slide”:
Just like reading, maths skills can decline when they’re not used regularly. Short, meaningful practice helps students retain number sense, fluency, and problem-solving strategies they’ve worked hard to develop.
2. Building confidence:
Regular exposure to maths helps students feel capable and prepared. When children return from the holidays feeling confident in their skills, they transition into the new school year more positively.
3. Strengthening real-life application:
The holidays offer many practical opportunities for maths—cooking, budgeting, shopping, measuring, building, travelling, and time management. These experiences help children see that maths is useful, relevant, and all around them.
What does “holiday maths” look like?
It doesn’t need to be formal or time-consuming. In fact, 10–15 minutes a few times a week can be enough.
Activities may include:
Playing number-based games (Uno, Connect Four, Monopoly, cards, dice games)
Using apps such as Prodigy, SunSet Maths, or Hit the Button
Practising mental maths using everyday situations
Including children in cooking, shopping lists, or planning travel times
Quick revision tasks or challenge problems sent home by the classroom teacher
How families can help
You don’t need to be a maths expert. The most helpful things you can do are:
Encourage a positive attitude toward maths
Celebrate effort, not just answers
Ask your child to explain their thinking
Make maths fun, relaxed, and part of everyday routines
A strong start to 2026
By keeping maths skills active over the break, students return ready to learn, confident in their abilities, and better prepared for the year ahead. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting mathematics learning at St John’s.
