How can I help my child with maths?
Why maths matters
- Builds understanding of numbers and patterns to solve real‑life problems.
- Develops reasoning, decision‑making and confidence.
Helpful routines
- Short, regular practice (5-10 minutes).
- Play games and puzzles; talk positively about maths.
- Encourage curiosity: “What do you notice?”
Practical ways to support maths
- Everyday numbers: count stairs/fruit; read numbers on signs and clocks; compare amounts.
- Make maths meaningful: cook (weigh/measure/time), shop (totals/estimates), sort and classify.
- Use mathematical vocabulary (total, difference, estimate, product) and ask for explanations.
- Spot patterns (times tables, sequences, odd/even, symmetry).
- Encourage problem‑solving: Can you find another way? Is there a quicker method? How do you know?
- Celebrate effort and strategy as much as accuracy.
Supporting number fluency
- Practise number bonds; roll dice for addition/multiplication; use flashcards.
- Count on/back from different numbers; skip count in 2s, 5s, 10s, etc.
Supporting times tables
- Quick‑fire recall games, chants/claps, matching games and apps/websites.
- Spot patterns on a 100‑square; focus on progress over speed.
Older/more confident mathematicians
- Explain reasoning; compare strategies; explore puzzles/logic games.
- Discuss real‑world maths: timetables, budgeting, sports stats.
How school supports maths
- Daily lessons with concrete → visual → abstract progression.
- Regular arithmetic and reasoning practice; problem‑solving and investigation.
- Times‑table recall and explicit vocabulary teaching.
Talking about maths
- What do you notice?
- How do you know?
- Can you show me another way?
- What’s the same? What’s different?
- What helped you solve it?
Useful links
National Numeracy - Supporting children with maths