Maths Makes Sense Learning System
A transforming learning system that leaves no child behind!
Maths Makes Sense is built on a unique learning system that allows all children to access complex abstract concepts at the heart of maths by concretising them through the consistent use of objects, such as cups. Use of clear language, gesture and rigorous teaching are also at the core of the system.
Using this clear and supportive system children quickly gain a firm grasp of maths concepts. Proven to give real deep understanding and enjoyment of maths from the start, the learning system is made up of six key areas. To read more about these areas click on the links below.
- Using concrete objects to make abstract maths understandable
- Speaking and listening in Maths Makes Sense
- Maths Makes Sense actions
- Maths Makes Sense Classroom management
- Partner work
- Twelve big ideas
Using concrete objects to make abstract maths understandable
Maths is so difficult for many learners because it is completely abstract. At the heart of the Maths Makes Sense learning system is the consistent use of objects to create a concrete representation of abstract maths concepts so that they can be visualised and touched. This makes them real for children from the youngest age. The Maths Makes Sense Toolkit provides all you need to get started.
In the rigorous Maths Makes Sense system, the physical movement of objects within the system is really effective at building deep understanding. It embeds a picture of the maths in children's minds which they can use later when they progress to working without concrete objects. Children understand from the outset that maths is abstract, or pretend, or - made-up. It's like learning how to decode words when they learn to read. Visit Read Write Inc, the sister brand to Maths Makes Sense to get your children reading and writing FAST!
Speaking, listening and actions in Maths Makes Sense
Part of the success of the Maths Makes Sense programme is the use of language and gesture, ensuring that children are speaking, listening and moving as they learn. While children are made fully familiar with all maths language, the beauty of the Maths Makes Sense system means that carefully developed phrases and gestures embed learning consistently throughout the school, from the earliest stages right to the end of Primary. This means that the school has a shared maths language. Children always know what they are being asked about, helping all to understand and progress.
Some Maths Makes Sense phrases with matching gestures:
“Get ready to get some more” (add)
“Get ready to take away” (minus)
“Do the same things lots of times” (multiplication)
“Look at it and wonder” (division)
“Look at the table and count …” (equals)
Maths Makes Sense actions
Specific physical actions are matched to maths operations in Maths Makes Sense to reinforce the children's learning kinaesthetically. This helps the children to embed their understanding of all Maths concepts.
Maths Makes Sense Classroom management
Maths Makes Sense is designed to be flexible and to fit your class's needs. Teachers are encouraged to monitor how much direct instruction, guided practice and support is required within a lesson and use their professional judgement to ensure all children understand and are making progress.
At the start of a typical block of work, the teacher teaches children mathematical concepts directly using the Maths Makes Sense learning system, teaching from the front with the whole class (direct instruction). The teacher and children then practice together (guided practice). Children then practice and consolidate in small groups or pairs, with teacher support where needed.
As with the Read Write Inc. programme we recommend that staff attend the excellent Training of all teaching staff to see the real benefits that the Maths Makes Sense system can bring to your school.
Partner work
Partner work is a crucial part of the success of Maths Makes Sense. The children use speaking, listening and action to embed their learning by practising the maths stories using concrete objects in pairs, for example with personal maths tables and cups and translating this into mental and written work. No child is left behind as they support each other in partner and group work.
12 big ideas
From his extensive research into the way children learn maths, Richard Dunne established that maths can be simplified into 12 big ideas which help children to learn, understand and apply key concepts quickly and easily. These 12 big ideas underpin Maths Makes Sense and are taught through the unique Maths Makes Sense learning system.
Because the learning system is consistent and progressive, nothing children learn is wasted and they can easily make connections from previous learning to apply it in new contexts. That's how Maths Makes Sense helps children think like mathematicians from the very start.
Maths Makes Sense 12 big ideas are introduced in the following way:
Introduced between 5-7 (KS1)
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Equals
- The symbols speak to you
- The logic of the language tells you the answer
- Denomination
Introduced at 7 (year 3)
- Ratio
- Infinity
Introduced at 11 (year 7)
- Proof
- Sample/Population
