Maths Makes Sense

Maths is a symbolic, abstract language. To decode this language, symbols need to come alive and speak so clearly to children that maths becomes as easy to understand as reading a story. Maths Makes Sense has a unique learning system that truly enables this to happen.

 

It makes maths concrete and fully understandable by making consistent use of tangible objects such as cups, cards and sticks, combined with exaggerated physical actions and a special vocabulary for each symbol. Maths Makes Sense children have an active, spoken and visual image of each maths concept, which completely embeds understanding. Watch the video to see how it works.

 

As mathematical concepts are learnt in such a memorable way, they are understood from the start and are never forgotten.

 

Increased understanding and confidence across the whole school

Maths Makes Sense is a highly enjoyable and effective way of providing children with a solid foundation in maths. The methods and approach remains consistent across all years, preventing misunderstanding and ensuring children can confidently approach all new learning. Everything that is learned at the start is built on consistently and logically.

 

What maths do children need to know at Primary school?

Maths Makes Sense combines the use of concrete objects with exaggerated actions and a special vocabulary to teach the 10 Big Ideas that primary school children need to understand maths. These 10 ideas underpin the whole Maths Makes Sense learning system and are taught consistently throughout the school.

 

Introduced by age 7

• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Equals
• The symbols speak to you
• The logic of the language tells you the answer
• Denomination

 

Introduced after age 7

• Ratio
• Infinity

 

A dynamic and powerful way of teaching

Maths Makes Sense has a unique way of teaching maths that makes symbolic it enjoyable and fully understandable.

 

Concrete objects

Maths Makes Sense uses concrete objects including cups, cards and sticks to create a tangible and visible representation of maths. It embeds a picture of maths in children's minds, which they can recall later when they start working without concrete objects.

 

Exaggerated actions

Children use physical actions to act out calculations and mathematical concepts. This helps children to learn kinaesthetically.

 

Special vocabulary

Maths Makes Sense uses carefully designed phrases to help children access and apply mathematical concepts in a clear cut and increasingly familiar way.