Leaders of Learning

Staff Development Day – Monday 1 June

Teachers will be participating in a Staff Development Day on Monday 1st June, with a strong focus on professional development in Mathematics.

Throughout the day, teachers will engage in learning around:

• The Maths Block — strengthening structure, routines, and lesson flow
• Using Maths Data to inform and improve teaching practice
• Differentiating Maths Lessons to meet the needs of all learners
• Maths Intervention and targeted support
• Embedding the New Curriculum into daily planning and instruction
• Daily Review-continuing to review previously taught content
• Content We Teach — ensuring clarity and consistency across stages

This professional learning supports our ongoing commitment to high‑quality mathematics instruction, strong fluency foundations, and improved outcomes for all students.

Fluency Focus K- 6

The school is focusing on Times Tables and Grouping Numbers this term. Moving beyond simple counting to "multiplicative thinking" helps students confidently tackle larger numbers, fractions, and proportions, setting them up for success in high school math.

Stage-by-Stage Home Activities

👶 Kindergarten (Early Stage 1)

Focus: Foundations of Grouping

• Pairing Up: Count by 2s using everyday items (e.g., pairing socks or shoes).
• Equal Groups: Have your child share snacks (grapes, crackers) into equal groups of 2 or 5.

• Rhythmic Counting: Add movement to counting—clap on every second or fifth number to build rhythm.

   

🧒 Stage 1 (Years 1–2)

Focus: Skip Counting and Arrays

• Array Hunt: Spot real-world grids like egg cartons ($2 \times 6$) or muffin trays ($3 \times 4$) and discuss rows and columns.
• Skip Counting: Practice counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s in the car. For a challenge, start from a random number (e.g., count by 10s starting at 14).

• Repeated Addition: Use Lego or buttons to visually show that $3 \times 2$ is the same as $2 + 2 + 2$.

   

👦 Stage 2 (Years 3–4)

Focus: Multiplication Mastery & Fluency

• Times Table Songs: Play educational songs (like Numberock or Laugh Along and Learn) in the car or during morning routines.
• Card Game "War": Flip two cards; the first person to call out the multiplied product wins the cards.
• Online Games: Use fast-paced digital games like Hit the Button or Meteor Multiplication.

• Fact Families: Connect multiplication to division (e.g., "If $4 \times 5 = 20$, how many 5s are in 20?").

   

🧑 Stage 3 (Years 5–6)

Focus: Factors, Multiples, and Real-World Application

• The Factor Game: Pick a number (like 24) and race to name all its factors.
• Beat the Calculator: Race your child to solve a times table question—them using mental math, you using a calculator.
• Grocery Grouping: Practice mental math while shopping (e.g., "If 1 pack is $6, how much for 8?" or finding unit prices).

• Double or Half: Have them adjust recipe quantities (e.g., doubling a recipe from 4 people to 8 people).

   

Key Takeaway: Turning math into quick games, songs, or everyday conversations shows children that math is a powerful, practical tool for daily life.

Mrs Matilda Lennon

Instructional Specialist

Mrs Alison Poole

Kindergarten - Year 2 Leader of Learning

Mrs Lucy Chigioni

Years 3-6 Leader of Learning