Background:

The KwikMaths system was initially developed as a time saving/holding activity for a class of easily distracted Y2's.  The KwikMaths cards were displayed on a wall in easy view of children entering the classroom prior to the start of the official school day.  The initial intention was to engage the children in purposeful activities and therefore avoid disruptive and inappropriate behaviour.

However, it soon became clear that the cards offered much more than this when parents began asking if they could stay and work on the problems with their child- this was of course encouraged!  It was soon found that children were arriving at school showing a surprising willingness to work on the maths problems.  Many of the children said they actually enjoyed the cards!  Those who didn't wish to do extra work simply stayed in the playground until the start of class.  The children continued working from the KwikMaths cards for a period of around 10 minutes while the regular administration duties were conducted.  Soon it became apparent that some children were finishing all cards while others were barely starting.  To encourage the children they were asked to set specific targets of how many cards or problems they would complete.  Subsequently, children were soon completing more of the tasks. 

Additionally, the class undertook Y2 SAT's without pain! All the children were familiar with the format of SAT's questions and the number of level 3's attained was into double figures!

The staff at the school soon started to show an interest in the cards and within the space of around a term, the vast majority of teachers were using the cards in a similar way.

The main benefits from the cards are listed below:

• driven by National Numeracy Strategy objectives
• cards suitable for UK Year 1 through to Year 6
• quick and simple to use- laminate then use an OHT pen/dry wipe marker
• easily differentiated
• covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, shape, measures, money, time, direction, position, coordinates, graphs, charts, data handling, simple algebra, number facts, rapid recall....
• promotes independence in learning
• develops individual methods and strategies for calculation
• recaps and reviews all areas of maths
• encourages familiarity with mathematical language
• presents mathematical problems in standard and non standard ways
• many questions in similar format to SAT's tests
• encourages parents to become involved in their child's learning- communicates what expectations and strategies are used in the classroom
• engages children in productive work while the teacher undertakes administration tasks