Primary CAME Let’s Think Maths Teachers’ Guide

“ (Let’s Think) theory has great benefits for class teaching. I think it allows class teachers to develop the teaching of mathematics, because of the extra thinking, that it promotes in the lessons. ”

A primary teacher working with Let’s Think Maths

Introduction

This introduction contains five short sections. The ideas contained within each of the sections will be elaborated on in the Primary Let’s Think Maths professional development programme.

Section one: A contribution to teaching

An explanation of how the Let’s Think approach is situated within current practice in primary mathematics teaching

Section two: The thinking behind Let’s Think Maths

A brief summary of the learning theories that form the basis of Let’s Think Maths. It is not essential to read this before teaching the first lesson. Reading it after the first two or three will help you make the most effective use of the lesson notes.

Section Three: How to use Let’s Think Maths

Background information, including practical guidance and teaching style, to help you begin using the activities.

Section Four: The format of the Let’s Think Maths activities

An explanation of the layout of all the components of the lessons – background notes, teaching notes and notesheets, including the figure ‘Understanding lesson layout’.

Section Five: The mathematical reasoning strands

A brief overview of the four main mathematical strands and the topics addressed in each of the Primary: Let’s Think Maths lessons, and a table to show connections to the National Curriculum for England.