Maths is not just about numbers
Maths is not always the easiest of subjects when you are at school. But, for pupils with special needs, it can be a whole lot more complex. The vocabulary needed to access the Maths curriculum is somewhat of a minefield. The pupil needs to understand the vocabulary before being able to learn the concept which can create unnecessary barriers to learning for SEND students, particularly deaf students.
Rachael Lethbridge, SENDCo and Numeracy Lead at Mary Hare has created ‘Count on Words’, an intervention programme to support students’ development of Maths vocabulary which will ultimately increase their ability to learn Maths and improve their outcome. The programme concept was rolled out as part of a NASS (National Association of Special Schools), incubator scheme which aims to support, develop and share innovations that ‘improve experiences and outcomes for children with SEND’. Although designed for the deaf students at Mary Hare, Count on Words could be used with other SEN pupils or those with low language levels.
Taking the most frequently used words in GCSE Maths papers, the resources have been built around this vocabulary and created to be easily accessible using visual graphics, jokes and games to capture the students’ interest.
Each topic of approximately 30-40 minutes long, covers a theme such as ‘Time’ or ‘Statistics’ within which there is a host of teaching and learning resources such as word cards, word scramble, lesson plans and a tracking spreadsheet – everything needed for teacher and student to ensure that the vocabulary within that topic is consolidated through repetition and exposure to the vocabulary.
The Count on Words series will eventually encompass 14 topics. The funding has been approved for the first six and it is hoped that a funding source will be found to enable the full suite of topics to be completed.
The downloadable resources can be found at Downloadable Resources | Mary Hare School
Currently free of charge but with the option for a donation to be made, it is hoped that in the future the full programme of resources will be rolled out and available to purchase by educators.
The programme is being trialled by a number of schools including one in Australia.