Unlocking the Maths in Everyday Moments – Maths Talks for the Early Years

How to Use These Maths Talks

Maths talks are a fantastic way to spark curiosity, encourage mathematical thinking, and build confidence in young learners. These engaging discussions help children explore maths concepts in a meaningful and playful way. Each photograph of real-life maths encourages students to think about the maths all around them and use mathematical language to explain their ideas.

The Importance of Exploring Maths in a Real-World Context

Research shows that children develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts when they see them in real-life contexts. When students engage with maths in familiar settings, they build connections between abstract ideas and practical applications, enhancing their ability to reason, problem-solve, and communicate mathematically. Real-world maths encourages curiosity and engagement, making learning more meaningful and enjoyable. By integrating real-life images and discussion-based learning, this resource helps young learners develop confidence in using mathematical language and thinking critically about the world around them.

Why You Need This Resource in Your Maths Warm-Up or Review

Struggling to make your maths warm-ups engaging and meaningful? Looking for a way to connect real-life maths to the curriculum? This resource is the perfect solution!

✔ Quick and Effective: In just 5-10 minutes, spark deep mathematical discussions and set the tone for learning. 

✔ Encourages Critical Thinking: Students explain their reasoning, spot patterns, describe strategies used and make connections. 

✔ Strengthens Mathematical Language: Helps students articulate their thinking using key mathematical vocabulary. 

✔ Covers the Full Curriculum: Aligned with the v9 maths curriculum across all five strands (Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, and Statistics). 

✔ Flexible and Easy to Use: Choose between two PowerPoint models—one for open-ended discussions and one with a playful real-life story. 

✔ Engages All Learners: Encourages participation from all students, regardless of ability, by making maths accessible and fun! 

✔ Develops Real-World Connections:Helps children see that maths is everywhere, making learning more meaningful and memorable.

Structure of a Maths Talk (5-10 Minutes)

1. Open-Ended Introduction

• Begin with an open-ended question: “What maths can you see in this picture?”
• Encourage students to look closely and describe what they notice using precise mathematical vocabulary.
• Guide them to find patterns, shapes, or numbers.
• Prompt them to explain their thinking: “How did you figure that out?” or “Can you explain your thinking using maths words?”

2. Directed Teacher-Led Questions

• Each set includes questions that target all five strands of the v9 curriculum.
• Guide students through these questions, allowing time for discussion and exploration.
• Encourage multiple ways of solving problems and reasoning through answers, prompting students to justify their responses using mathematical language.

3. Think Like a Mathematician

• Each photograph includes two ‘Think Deeper’ questions designed to challenge students.
• These encourage problem-solving, reasoning, and creative thinking, while reinforcing the use of key mathematical terms.

Using the Maths Talks Effectively:

• Make It Hands-On: Use real objects or visuals to help model concepts.
• Encourage Discussion: Allow students to share ideas and build on each other’s thinking using maths vocabulary.
• Model Mathematical Language: Repeat and rephrase student responses to reinforce correct terminology.
• Celebrate Different Strategies: Highlight various ways students approach problems.
• Wrap Up with Reflection: Ask questions like “What did you learn today?” and “How does this connect to maths in real life?” while encouraging students to explain their answers clearly.

Two PowerPoint Models to Choose From

There are two PowerPoint presentations included to support different teaching approaches:

1. Photograph & Open-Ended Questions

• Displays the photograph with open-ended questions to encourage student-led exploration.
• Ideal for fostering curiosity and independent thinking.
• Supports students in developing mathematical language as they describe their observations.

1. Story & Teacher-Led Questions

• Presents a playful story that links the photograph to a real-life scenario.
• Includes structured teacher-led questions that target all five strands of the v9 maths curriculum.
• Helps guide students through deeper mathematical discussions while encouraging precise vocabulary use.

Teachers can choose either model to use in their classroom or generate their own questions based on the examples provided. A maths talk like no other!

About Set 1

• Includes 18 photographs covering real-life maths scenarios.
• Designed for the Foundation to Year 2 curriculum.
• Covers all five strands of the v9 maths curriculum.
• Encourages deep thinking and problem-solving through open-ended and structured questioning.
• Supports the development of strong mathematical language skills.
• Recording sheets to track student responses. 
• Accountable Talk Stem Posters. 

Included in this resource are accountable talk stem posters to help guide and structure student discussions. These posters encourage students to articulate their thinking clearly, use mathematical vocabulary, and engage in meaningful conversations about maths. They encourage students to think about other people's responses and add to them or alter them in a positive way. 

Ongoing Assessment:

The recording sheet for teachers provides a simple and efficient way to track student responses, offering immediate access to evidence of student learning. This tool is perfect for ongoing assessment, enabling teachers to document student thinking and progress in a way that is both easy to administer and incredibly effective. Whether for daily reflection or more formal reporting, the recording sheet ensures you have a clear and accessible record of how each student is engaging with the maths concepts. Sometimes additional evidence is required, and with this resource, you'll have that information right at your fingertips, making assessment more seamless and stress-free.

By combining daily review, number talks, and these engaging Maths Talks, teachers can create a well-rounded approach to developing mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Unlocking the Maths in Everyday Moments – Maths Talks for the Early Years will inspire young learners to see and talk about maths in the world around them!