Taking Maths Outdoors
Making maths memorable
The ultimate portable maths lesson with minimal preparation!
The majority of the KS1 & 2 maths objectives (and EYFS ELGs) covered with only a length of tubular webbing or features of your setting, in your playground, in the field, in the hall, even in the corridor!
Designed to make maths memorable, the activities showcased in the Taking Maths Outdoors training sessions have been published as durable water resistant card booklets. The relevant objectives are clearly stated with activities and instructions and action photos to support you; ideal for differentiated group sessions.
Covering Geometry, Measures, Number and Statistics, the ideas in the Taking Maths Outdoors booklets provide simple but effective tasks linked to the EYFS ELGs and National Curriculum objectives by year group.
Some of the ideas have also been showcased in the maths units of Bloomsbury's National Curriculum Outdoors series.
Set one (geometry) includes:
- How to use the cards
- How to tie a tape knot
- Introduction to raccoon Circles
- Position and Direction
- Classifying Shape
- Angles
- Symmetry
Set two (measuring, number and statistics) includes:
- Area and Perimeter
- Scales
- Time
- Length and Width
- Weight and Mass
- Number and place value
- Operations
- Mental Maths Methods (solving numberic problems)
- Statistics (sorting)
- Statistics (representing data)
Inspired by Raccoon Circles,* teachers and practitioners are shown how mathematics objectives can be introduced and reinforced using the key skills of communication, social skills and teamwork reconnecting your group in the process.
The activities promote speaking and listening skills, provide a wealth of opportunities for problem-solving, using and applying maths and collaborative learning, with clear links to 'assessment for learning' opportunities to be used for a lesson starter, plenary or a whole lesson.
The activities can be done in small focus groups or as a whole class and although they are designed for the outdoors and need space, they can be done wherever space is available.
The ideas are easily adapted and before long you (and your class) will be able to use the techniques and invent new activities to make learning memorable!
No expensive equipment; a length of tubular webbing and minimal preparation and you're ready to go! In these Covid-19 times, the webbing can pre-marked into sections and are easy to wash and dry between use.
Cost: the set of 2 booklets (£35 plus p&p).
Cost: the set of 2 booklets plus a 12m length of tubular webbing and carry bag (£60 plus p&p) To purchase, please contact us below.
The ideas and techniques in the booklets are used for INSET training courses, but can also be used without the training, although the subtle nuances of the techniques may be clearer when shown and demonstrated. Contact us to find out more!
If you’re looking for more curriculum ideas linked to Taking Maths Outdoors join the National Curriculum Outdoors Facebook groups and benefit from free postage in the UK.
* The Revised and Expanded Book of Raccoon Circles by Jim Cain and Tom Smith (Kendall / Hunt Publishers 2007)
Training provided by the Deborah Lambert, co-author of Bloomsbury's award winning National Curriculum Outdoors series.