Targeting Maths 3 - 6
The student books from Year 3 to year 6 are laid out as four terms of topic-based units of work. Each unit is 3 or 4 pages long.
Each unit begins with a focus page. The large focus picture gets children's attention and in many cases it is a high-interest, real-life situation. Focus pages are good for all ability levels as they include open-ended questions and active participation. Even the weakest student can perform the task because the visual image is so helpful.
They are also useful for revision. Return to the page and use it for mental warm-ups before a lesson. Photos of real things are an exciting feature of the scheme and serve to connect maths to real life. The outcome number and the relevant pointers are written in full at the base of each page. Information notes at the top of the page reinforce mathematical language and important facts. Problem solving strategies such as looking for patterns appear regularly. The other strategies covered include drawing a diagram, trial and error and working backwards. Number lines are a proven mathematical tool for visualising the number system and to support calculations. This powerful visual aid creates a direct relationship between calculations and algorithms. The abstract nature of algorithms is demystified as children jump along a number line to add or subtract. Challenges appear regularly to extend your more able students.
Teaching Guides for Years K - 2
The Teaching and Discuss section introduces the topic with an interesting activity and discussion. Outcomes and pointers covered in this unit. The key words that students need to understand. A list of all extra materials used in any of the activities. Additional worksheets in Targeting Maths blackline master books. Mental and oral strategies can be used to introduce the lesson, or as mental warm-ups that reinforce previous learning and basic facts. The Activity Bank provides a range of practical activities for the unit that present the mathematical content in a variety of ways. A BLM with each unit provides another resource for each topic. A variety of assessment BLMs are also included.
