Maths

Click the link to find out more information from Amy on how to use the Rekerenks.

How to use a Rekerenks

Interactive Rekerenks – Click here to use an online version

In Years 3 and 4, there is a maths lesson once per week with a focus on developing multiplication/division. Rekenreks are used to provide a strong concrete and visual representation of repeated addition and number sense.

A rekenrek is a math tool designed to help young learners develop number sense and understand basic arithmetic concepts like addition, subtraction, and place value. It’s widely used in early education, especially for teaching numbers up to 100. 

What is a Rekenrek? 

• It looks like an abacus but simpler. 

• Typically consists of 2-10 rows of beads:  

• Each row has 10 beads. 

• Beads are grouped in sets of 5 (usually 5 red and 5 white) to make counting easier. 

• Larger versions may have 10 rows (for numbers up to 100). 

Purpose in Math: 

• Helps children visualise numbers and operations. 

• Encourages subitising (recognising quantities without counting each bead). 

• Builds understanding of number relationships, such as:  

• 5 and 10 as benchmarks 

• Composing and decomposing numbers 

• Addition and subtraction strategies 

How to Use a Rekenrek: counting and number recognition 

• Slide beads from left to right. 

For example, slide 7 beads: children see 5 red + 2 white = 7. 

Addition 

To show 6 + 3:  

Slide 6 beads first. 

Then slide 3 more. 

Count total beads (or recognize 5 + 4 = 9). 

Subtraction 

• Start with 10 beads on the left. 

• Move 4 back to the right. 

• Remaining beads = 6. 

Building Number Sense: 

Ask: “How many more to make 10?” 

Example: If 7 beads are moved, students see 3 beads remain. 

Skip Counting: 

Move beads in groups of 5 or 10 to practice multiples. 

In Years 5/6, there is a maths lesson once per week with a focus on arithmetic. Each lesson has a particular focus that the teacher demonstrates before children are given the opportunity to practise.

Click on the links to download some examples of the arithmetic papers we use.

Arithmetic paper 1

Arithmetic paper 2

Arithmetic paper 3

Arithmetic paper 4

Arithmetic paper 5

Children are encouraged to practise on the Times Tables Rock Stars platform at home. We encourage children to practise for ten minutes at home each day. The ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition is used to reward classes with the highest average correct answers each week. Teachers use the ‘set the tables’ function on TTRS to ensure that children in their class can access appropriate tables questions in the ‘Garage’ mode.

What is Sumdog and How Does It Help Your Child?
Sumdog is an engaging online learning platform designed to make maths, spelling, and grammar fun for children in primary schools. It uses interactive games and activities to help children practise key skills at their own level, building confidence and enjoyment in learning.

How it works:

• Personalised Learning: Sumdog adapts to your child’s ability, ensuring they work on questions that are just right for them—neither too easy nor too hard.
  Curriculum-Aligned: All activities are linked to the national curriculum, so the practice supports what your child is learning in class.
  Motivating and Fun: Children earn rewards and play games as they learn, making practice feel like play.
  Accessible Anywhere: Sumdog can be used at school or at home on computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Why we use Sumdog:

• It helps reinforce classroom learning in a fun and interactive way.
  It encourages regular practice, which is key to building strong maths skills.
  Teachers can track progress and identify areas where extra support is needed.

The calculation methods that we teach children are taken from Power Maths. Please click the links below for more information:

UKS2 calculation policy

LKS2 calculation policy