Maths in Year 2 (6-7 years old)

According to the National Curriculum in England “the principal focus of mathematics teaching in key stage 1 is to ensure that pupils develop confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting and place value. This should involve working with numerals, words and the four operations, including with practical resources [for example, concrete objects and measuring tools]. At this stage, pupils should develop their ability to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort different shapes and use the related vocabulary. Teaching should also involve using a range of measures to describe and compare different quantities such as length, mass, capacity/volume, time and money. By the end of year 2, pupils should know the number bonds to 20 and be precise in using and understanding place value. An emphasis on practice at this early stage will aid fluency. Pupils should read and spell mathematical vocabulary, at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge at key stage 1.”

At school maths lessons are taught every day. Teachers usually pick a weekly goal and work towards achieving it. Some teachers set aside time to practice mental maths, this can be done at any time of the day. I use to do little quizzes at the end of the day, or used my kid’s maths skills while doing the register. The areas that we will focus on are: fluency, problem solving and reasoning.

Few tips before you start:

Let your child to use resources that they want. Label one of your kid’s toy basket “maths resources” and put all the maths bits that you have. Include a number line and a container full of coins. It will be useful each time your child will be trying to tackle a problem or will need a different strategy.
Create your own maths problems using real life examples: There are 5 tables in your classroom, at each table sit 6 kids. How many children are in your class altogether? Remember, maths is everywhere! Don’t forget to count muffins, or doughnuts on a tray.
Offer different strategies if your child gets stuck.
Do little evaluation when you complete the task. Talk about what went well, what went wrong and how can we get better next time.
Books or worksheets? My view about endless worksheets is: if you make them yourself write it all in one book, don’t give loose pages. I had children getting very discouraged when they saw another worksheet coming. They simply saw no end. With a book, they can see how much they have accomplished and it is easier to spot the progress. If you prefer to use ready books use the ones from Buy it links. I’ve checked them, I use them myself and they are simply the best. I tried quite a few before…

Remember, to understand maths is not to be super fast at doing worksheets, but to be able to use the knowledge to solve the problems. Take a picture of your child exploring maths. Encourage them to explain the thinking/reasoning. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us!