That’s how we structure maths in my school - it is flexible year on year. But unless I am interpreting your post incorrectly then in your scenario of separating out the top 80%, the bottom 20% would … (View Post)

It varies in my experience, but usually about 2 to 2 1/2. Key thing with counting is to link it to physical objects, and emphasise one number for each physical thing. (View Post)

I very strongly suspect that little girl was not one of the cohort of kids who would have struggled picking up maths with or without rods. (View Post)

V much agree about the movement within streams. Not sure it would be possible to take the top 80% without abandoning the rest in practice. (View Post)

Dienes blocks are great too. But as with all of these things, you need to know how to use them. I’m not having a go at primary teachers by the way. Most are hugely skilled generalists. I just think t… (View Post)