Numeracy is a proficiency that demands confidence and competence with numbers and measures. It requires an understanding of the number system, a repertoire of computational skills and the inclination and ability to solve number problems in a variety of contexts. Numeracy also demands practical understanding of the ways in which we gather information by counting and measuring and the methods we use to present that information in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables. Through the Numeracy Framework we intend to provide a range and balance of work to make sure the children of Wimborne Infant School become properly numerate. We will provide appropriate support within each lesson for children with special educational needs.

THE AIM OF THE NUMERACY LESSON

To improve the quality and efficiency of teaching by:

• Using a range of teaching strategies to promote high quality interaction
  
• Increasing pace and rigour in numeracy lessons
  
• Setting high expectations matched to children's abilities
  
• A structured planning scheme
  
• Emphasising whole class instruction
  
• Maximising direct teaching time
  
• Developing common patterns of classroom organisation from class to class throughout the school
  
• Encouraging independent working
  
• Enabling the teacher to work intensively with smaller groups of children
  
• Making the teaching of numeracy more manageable at a whole school level.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE DAILY LESSON

The lesson is divided into three main sections

SECTION ONE MENTAL MATHS

•  TAUGHT AS A WHOLE CLASS ACTIVITY •  5-10 MINUTES APPROX.

Practising oral and mental skills (e.g., counting, learning mental strategies, rapid recall of number facts).

SECTION TWO THE MAIN TEACHING ACTIVITY

•  DONE AS A WHOLE CLASS •  IN FOCUSSED GROUPS •  IN PAIRS OR AS INDIVIDUALS •  30-40 MINUTES APPROX.

• Introducing a new topic to the whole class
  
• Practising or extending previous work
  
• Group work - usually three levels
  
• Paired/individual work

SECTION THREE PLENARY

•  INVOLVING WHOLE CLASS IN FEEDBACK •  10-15 MINUTES APPROX.

• Misunderstandings are sorted out
  
• Informal assessment by the teacher of what children have learned during the lesson
  
• Summary of key ideas, what to remember
  
• Links made to other work, next steps identified
  
• Work set to do at home
  

 

THE NUMERACY LESSON LASTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. THE TIMING OF INDIVIDUAL PARTS OF THE LESSON IS FLEXIBLE. OUR AIM IS TO MAKE THIS AGE APPROPRIATE.

 

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