The Numeracy Block

In the ideal world a teacher would have a one-hour uninterrupted block of time set aside for mathematics. Daily numeracy blocks have been found to foster deep understanding and confidence with mathematics and are helping schools reach new heights in their numeracy attainment.

In the numeracy block hour students have opportunities to hear and to use the language of mathematics. They get to learn and apply maths in ways that are connected to the real world in which they live. Maths makes sense to them as well as helping them to make sense of everyday situations by applying maths to solve problems. They work as a community of learners, discussing, sharing and comparing ideas. They are free to represent ideas in ways that make sense to them as they move toward formalising the maths that they really understand. They also take time to reflect on that learning and use reflection as a feed forward tool.

All of that in one hour? Yes, the structure of the Numeracy Block makes all of that possible.

The Structure of a Numeracy block

The Numeracy Block itself has three parts:

• a mental routine,
• the main part of the lesson (problematised situation, strategy lesson or games)
• reflection.

The Natural Maths Strategy series outlines the numeracy block and many examples of the components of a numeracy block. The series was designed to ensure that the proficiency strands of the Australian Mathematics Curriculum are thoroughly developed. The mental routines build understanding, fluency and reasoning. The problematised situations develop fluency, reasoning and problem solving. And along with the reflection the components ensure that the general capabilities will be met.

To Purchase

The Natural Maths Strategies series books are available from Blake Education. Click here to go to their website for details. Purchasing detials for Place Value to 1000 000 and the Linear Measurement series are given on the linked pages.

There are links on the pages for our publications that enable you to buy on-line or to send a School Order.