NUMERACY in MOTION

Movement is essential to learning!”Movement awakens and activates our mental capacities. Movement integrates and anchors new information and experience into our neural networks. Moving while learning increases learning.” (Carla Hannaford, PhD)

This programme was developed to give pupils a boost to their numeracy skills in the run up to SATS.

Overview

Pupils – Year 6 (8 girls / 5 boys)

Sessions – 15 minutes long   To date – maximum attended by each child, x2 assessment = 13 activity sessions

AIMS

• To improve fundamental movements and essential movement patterns (to achieve sensory integration) that are the foundations of ALL learning
• To improve basic numeracy skill

Format – Mat work (with some numeracy) / Balance activities (with some numeracy) / Number work using footwork, hand eye                                          coordination number spots on the floor

The main focus has been multiplication tables particularly x6 x7 x8 x9(confirming research by Norem, Knight  and Murray that the most difficult facts for children to learn are 6×9, 7×8, 7×6, 8×6, 4×8, 4×9, 7×9, 7×7, 6×7, 4×7, 9×9, 8×9,9×7, 8×8,6×8).

The usual way of these children working out appears to be addition, with a number of children counting on fingers. Square tables 8×8 etc have not been known nor 11s.

Instant recap has been the objective. Other concepts like percentages / degrees begun to be included.

Main pupil issues – lack of concentration and focus e.g. eyes wandering, a need to chatter and make noises, easily distracted by peer behaviour. Hand eye coordination particularly lacking among the girls + two extremes – idleness or hyper activity!

Learning outcome numbers by rote i.e. 7-14-21-28-35 etc rather than 1×7 =7

Progress

Successful in improving recall of tables in 3-4 sessions – written speed tests reveal time taken to complete often halved (or better) with no errors. When errors have been made on two occasions they were corrected. Successful in improving physical effort along with focus / in contrast, reducing physical exuberance to achieve stillness and better focus

Some pupil responses – Ellie started own maths folder at home / Connor S claims to have been doing calculations on his X Box to practice / Alex practices at home / Charles “I’m going to learn my 8s next week”!Nicola “ Can we come earlier next week and stay longer”! Certain pupils leaving class early to get a longer session! Several reported they had recalled these activities when sitting their practice SATS!

Other outcomes

Improved concentration – improved effort (Sophie jogged 14 lengths of hall to get energized!) – signs of improved confidence (Keely) – teamwork developing (especially Connor K, Lewis, Charles)