NRICH is leading a series of two CPD sessions at Gillingham St Michael's Primary School near Beccles in Suffolk. These sessions focus on developing rich mathematical thinking for all using NRICH low threshold high ceiling tasks.
Day 1
On 31 January 2013, Liz led workshops with the Reception/KS1 class and then the KS2 class. During both these, she introduced Dotty Six to the children.
In the staff meeting, we had a go at Strike It Out together, leading to a discussion about the nature of low threshold high ceiling tasks. We reflected on the sessions with children and considered implications for our own classroom practice.
We agreed that everyone would try out an activity of their choice with some children back at school.
Day 2
On 27 February, we started by having a go at Poly Plug Rectangles altogether. We discussed how we could challenge children further, for example, by asking them to try to work out the rectangle's location in as few guesses as possible, by altering the grid size, by varying the number of spots used in the rectangle etc.
The main focus of the session was on sharing experiences of trying out NRICH activities. In groups of three/four, we discussed successful outcomes and any concerns. The following common themes emerged:
- All children had been engaged in the activities and many 'low-attaining' children shone.
- It was important to try and be flexible in terms of the timing of the activity.
- It was often beneficial to return to an activity at a later date.
- It helped to have spent time planning possible further questions to ask those children who needed them.
- It was felt that children's mathematical thinking is not going to improve overnight so time is needed for them to become more confident at working in this way.
We discussed trying to keep up the momentum. Liz agreed to try to flag up a new problem on this page once a month or so to help.