Educate the Children - National Numeracy Hour

It seems that our school day is destined to be segregated into hourly units. Before we know it there will be the 'Science Hour' and the 'Art Hour'. The Numeracy Hour, like the Literacy Hour is split up into sections.

The first 10 minutes are a chance to develop oral and mental skills and strategies. Facts may be recited, number patterns discovered, strategies for calculation problems discussed.

The next 40 minutes consist of whole class or group activities. Teacher focus should be aimed at 1 or 2 groups or individuals, the number of pupils manageable.

The last 10 minutes are a time to review what has been practised or rules that have been generalised.

The Numeracy Hours covers much ground by utilising a 'brisk' pace, mental strategies and understanding come before paper and pencil strategies.