How to get the max from Power Maths
If you’re one of the many teachers who’s recently started using Power Maths, then this article is for you! Here, Power Maths Series Editor, Tony Staneff, gives some practical help and support for teachers who are taking this exciting and game-changing step. It’s a step that will help build real confidence, competence and curiosity in maths for teachers and learners alike.
First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for investing in the Power Maths programme, and for joining the international community of teachers who want to create schools and classrooms full of eager mathematicians! I understand that your investment is not only about buying into the programme, but also about passion and professionalism. It’s a move towards a new way of working – and that demands commitment. But the rewards are many, and they include happier and more resilient learners who achieve better results as well as greater satisfaction and less preparation time for you.
How do I know this? Well, right from the start, Power Maths was founded on robust, evidence-based research and the highly successful White Rose Maths schemes of learning. Its foundations lie in helping teachers teach for mastery, allowing children to understand maths instead of blindly following obscure rules. It lets children move forward one small step at a time, and provides clear, purposeful practice to embed and deepen their learning. And of course, it models a healthy growth mindset through the vibrant and engaging characters who encourage and support learners. As a practising teacher, I feel you can use the Power Maths books flexibly to meet the changing needs of your own class and ensure understanding every step of the way.
Sharing the learning
Since Power Maths was first launched, my colleagues and I have visited schools up and down the country and learned so much from the teachers, assistants and learners who use it week after week. Their feedback, ideas and insights keep us learning how to get the best possible results from the programme, and we’re always keen to share that learning as widely as possible. Below, you’ll find a rich collection of tips which reflect some of the key feedback we’ve collected along the way from the family of Power Maths practitioners nationwide!
Section |
Purpose |
Tip |
Discover | Generate Curiosity! |
|
Share | Get every child thinking and talking it through |
|
Think Together | What we think hard about, we remember. |
|
Independent practice | Exploring different pathways |
|
Every child can love maths!
It’s inevitable that when you begin using Power Maths, some learners will have gaps in their understanding and knowledge, and there will always be occasions when extra help is needed. However, we’ve written the programme with these issues clearly in mind. By following the Teacher Guides, ensuring that you have appropriate concrete materials available for all and always teaching for meaning and understanding, your learners will progress. Try out the following powerful strategies:
- pre-teaching the language they’ll need before the lesson
- fine-tune your starter activities so learners are lesson-ready
- preparing your explanations so they’re as clear as possible
- supporting them with extra scaffolding
- work with any ‘strugglers’ and deploy your support staff to focus on the rest of the class
- use same-day interventions to fill any gaps.
Do you have tips to share for using Power Maths?
What’s worked really well in your classes? If you’ve encountered a difficulty, how did you solve it? I’d love to hear your own thoughts and experiences, so do get in touch at: