Dividing by 10, 100 and 1,000 (Without the ‘Take Away a Zero’ Mistake)
Have you ever been told that when you divide by 10 you simply “take away a zero”? It sounds like a helpful shortcut, but it quickly causes confusion. As soon as children begin solving calculations such as 5 ÷ 10 or 16 ÷ 10 in Year 4, there isn’t a zero to remove. For Example […]
How to Multiply by 10, 100 and 1000 (Without Adding Zeros)
Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1,000 is one of the most misunderstood concepts in maths – especially when children are taught to “just add a zero”. As a teacher, it’s something I find myself unpicking every year with Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. Multiplying by 10: Why You Should Never […]
Why are Times Tables so important? (How do they build Maths confidence)
Learning times tables, also referred to as multiplication facts, can often bring stress, anxiety and frustration. Many children find them tricky to remember and, for parents, it can feel like an uphill battle. Learning times tables is one of the most important foundations for maths success in primary school. My Honest Experience With Times Tables […]
What is the Grid Method of Multiplication? (A simple Guide for Parents)
The grid method of multiplication is a step-by-step way children are taught in primary school to multiply larger numbers by breaking them into smaller parts. It’s a method that helps children work with organised jottings. Parents often ask me: “What is the grid method … and why are children learning it instead of the method […]
