The following collection of resources have been assembled by the TES Maths Panel. They can be downloaded for free by registering on the TES website.
Skills in basic number and arithmetic form the foundation of all subsequent mathematics. As such, it is so important to get this teaching correct and spend the appropriate time to ensure pupils are solid in these areas before moving on. Below you will find a mixture of activities, assessment methods and intervention ideas that should help to make the topic fun as well as consolidate key ideas in this vital area.
Top 10 resources:
Number starters – Multiple choice quizzes
Age range: 11-16 Format: PowerPoint presentation
A PowerPoint presentation with 30 different number and arithmetic topics tested with 10 multiple choice questions. Answers included for self-assessment. Ideal for starters or plenaries to ensure pupils have a firm grasp of basic number topics.
MathsBox
Age range: 11-16, Post-16 Format: Website
This site is crammed full of activities. The bingo for number bonds to 100 and basic addition and subtraction help pupils struggling with number ideas and they don’t realise they are practising so many questions. A website that makes the teachers life that little easier while also bringing engagement to the maths classroom.
Maths matching cards – Equivalences
Age range: 11-16 Format: Word document
An activity where students match up fractions, decimals, percentages and pictures. It can be used to introduce FDP to check pupils’ understanding. There are 144 cards showing parts of a whole in six different formats:
- Fractions in words
- Fractions in numbers
- Fractions as shaded parts of a shape
- Fractions of a number of items
- Decimal fractions
- Percentages
Non-calculator homework
Age range: 11-16 Format: Word document
A set of homework sheets for students to practise regular number questions. Could be used in class as practise of the basics. Well presented and easy to mark.
Subtraction darts
Age range: 11-16 Format: PowerPoint presentation
A whole class activity for practising subtraction in a game of darts. Perhaps one could even use the idea and bring in a real dart board to liven things up even more?
Producing products
Age range: 11-16 Format: Word document
An activity for pairs to practise multiplying a whole number by a decimal. It is interactive and there is an emphasis on estimation. The vital skill of estimation is sometimes missed in maths and this activity puts the skill right at the forefront.
Numeracy intervention
Age range: 11-16 Format: Notebook file
An organised numeracy intervention set of slides. The slides go through some of the real basics that students need to know. There is space to write your own methods for each of the arithmetic operations. This could be really useful as a basis for an intervention programme for students needing to catch up with some of their numeracy skills.
QR code puzzle – Addition and subtraction
Age range: 11-16 Format: Word document
Pupils practise some basic addition and subtraction to create a QR code that links to a Sesame Street song. Could be easily adapted for other topics, too.
A3 double sided maths mat
Age range: 11-16 Format: PDF
Maths mats to print, laminate and even stick to the tables so students have constant access to basic number concepts. Ideal for revision or providing extra support to students.
Number videos
Age range: 11-16 Format: Website
Lots of Number videos going through some of the basics of number and arithmetic. Could be useful for students to consolidate their classwork, catch up missed lessons, for intervention lessons, or for test revision.
Colin Hegarty, maths secondary panel