National Numeracy Day 2023: Fostering a Love for Maths in Primary-Aged Children

As the Prime Minister sets an ambition for maths to be studied up to the age of 18 in the UK, it is important to remember the importance of instilling a love for maths from an early age. National Numeracy Day, celebrated on 17 May 2023, provides a perfect opportunity for teachers to promote the joys of mathematics to primary-aged children.

While it is true that maths may not be everyone’s favourite subject, understanding maths is crucial for developing important life skills. Mathematics is essential for understanding and managing personal finances, from budgeting and saving to investing and managing debt.

Additionally, maths skills are essential for success in many careers, from science and engineering to finance and technology. Understanding maths concepts is also important for making informed decisions, such as understanding statistical information in news articles and scientific studies. By developing a love for maths in primary-aged children, teachers can help set them on a path towards developing these important life skills and achieving their full potential.

Overcoming Maths Anxiety

One of the biggest barriers to instilling a love for maths in children is maths anxiety. Research shows that up to 20% of the population suffers from this anxiety, which can lead to a negative attitude towards maths and a reluctance to engage with the subject. However, by creating a positive and supportive classroom environment, teachers can help students overcome their anxiety and develop a love for maths.

Fostering a Love for Maths

Fostering a love for maths involves more than just memorizing equations and solving problems. It is about making the subject fun, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. One way to do this is by incorporating games and activities into lessons. For example, playing mathematical games such as Sudoku, KenKen, and Set can help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while also having fun.

Making Problem-Solving Fun

Another way to make maths fun is by incorporating real-world problems into lessons. For example, teachers could ask students to calculate the total cost of items in a shopping basket or to design a garden using specific measurements. This not only makes the subject more engaging, but it also helps students see the relevance of maths to their everyday lives.

Advice for Teachers

Teachers can make National Numeracy Day an exciting and memorable event by incorporating a range of activities into their lessons. Here are some examples:

1. Maths scavenger hunt: Hide mathematical problems around the classroom or school and have students work in teams to find and solve them.
2. Maths art projects: Encourage students to use mathematical concepts in their art projects, such as using geometric shapes to create a mosaic or fractal patterns.
3. Maths story time: Read books with mathematical themes, such as “Math Curse” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith or “One Grain of Rice” by Demi, to show children how maths can be applied in creative and imaginative ways.

By incorporating fun and engaging activities into their lessons, teachers can help instill a love for maths in primary-aged children, setting them on a path towards success in the subject and in life. So, let’s celebrate National Numeracy Day and make maths exciting for all!