No Fuss Maths Photocopiables Ages 5-7
Scholastic are marketing their new ‘No Fuss’ range as a collection of some of their best selling series, designed to ‘effectively slot into a busy timetable’ with ‘simple and interesting activities for children of different abilities.
The ‘No Fuss’ element of this publication is evident in the first few pages of ‘No Fuss Maths’ where Smith presents the reader with a tabulated explanation of how each activity links with the National Numeracy Strategy and the Scottish Curriculum. Such a detailed introduction to each activity in this easily accessible format definitely supports their assertion that this resource book can be used without fuss.
Beyond this, the book is divided into several sections which the book jacket suggests are both “suitable for mixed-age classes” and will provide “work to extend your gifted and talented children”. The chapters covered by this book are as follows:
- Chapter 1: Numbers and Number Systems
- Chapter 2: Calculations
- Chapter 3: Solving Problems – Reasoning about Numbers
- Chapter 4: Solving Problems – Money
- Chapter 5: Solving Problems – Organising and Using Data
- Chapter 6: Shape and Space
- Chapter 7: Measures
Looking through No Fuss Maths, I was impressed with the games suggested in this book, Smith has collated a series of games, particularly involving number and money which would stimulate pupils and promote learning in Year 1 and Year 2. However, I would not describe these games as ‘No Fuss’ activities as almost all of them require some cutting up and/or laminating. The book also boasts some interesting problem solving activities for each age group, suitable for use with the majority of year 1 or year 2 classes. These would work well as early morning activities or possibly as homework tasks.
The stand-alone worksheets, however, were, for the most part, too simplistic and brief for use during a Numeracy lesson. They would need some development before I would be able to use them with my mixed-ability Year 2 class. As homework pieces, there are some useful activities, but even here, I was not clamouring to restructure my maths homework activities to include these ideas.
Overall, there are some quality activities in this book, however, it could be argued that Scholastic have done Smith’s compilation some injustice by branding it a No Fuss resource book. The main strength of this book is found in its ideas for Maths Games (complete with appropriate resources) and the No Fuss label has the potential to mask these games. The ‘No Fuss’ label, suggests a resource book which supplies quality activities, ready for immediate classroom use. While Smith has included some activities which live up to this remit, the real strength in No Fuss Maths lies in the slightly fussy games ideas it suggests. I would recommend that teachers ignore Scholastic’s branding and look closely at this book for its games, and interesting problem solving activities.
Fiona Paterson • Y2 Teacher, Orchards CE Primary School, Wisbech
Author: Roger Smith
Title: No Fuss Maths Photocopiables Ages 5-7
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of Publication: January 2006
ISBN: 0-439-96550-0
Price: £12.00
