Teaching Mathematics Creatively

Are you looking for new ideas to capture the reluctant maths pupils in your class?
How can story, drama and GIANTS help you teach maths?

Teaching Mathematics Creatively is crammed full of practical approaches for bringing the teaching of mathematics to life. From an examination of where maths is failing to engage pupils in the 21st century, to a wide range of exciting approaches and ideas for ensuring it is possible to teach in a creative way, this is a stimulating and enjoyable source of inspiration for busy teachers.

It promotes creativity as a key element to develop young children’s knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of mathematics and offers a range of strategies to enable teachers to take a playful approach to mathematics teaching. Imaginative ideas include:



* The power of story-telling and play to bring the subject alive for children and teachers alike.


* Learning maths outdoors - work on a larger scale, make more noise, make more mess!


* Making sense of the numbers, patterns, shapes and measures children see around them every day.


* Motivating children through problem-finding and problem-solving.


* Using music, rhythm and pattern to teach maths creatively.


* Giant maths - how much food does a giant need in a week?


Underpinned by the latest research and theory and with contemporary and cutting-edge practice at the forefront, Teaching Mathematics Creatively includes a wealth of innovative ideas to enthuse teachers and enrich maths teaching. It is an essential purchase for every teacher who wishes to employ creative approaches to teaching in their classroom.

Linda Pound has great educational experience and has published extensively in the fields of learning and creative maths. She is an Early Years Education Consultant and a regular contributor to Nursery World.

Trisha Lee is Founder and Artistic Director of MakeBelieve Arts, a social enterprise offering innovative, high quality theatre and education programmes to develop the creative potential of children aged 2 to 15, based in Deptford, London, UK.

Chapter 1. What counts as mathematics? Chapter 2. I hate maths! - Positive feelings, creative dispositions and mathematics Chapter 3. Problem-finding and problem-solving Chapter 4. Talking and thinking about mathematics Chapter 5. Real maths! Chapter 6. Story maths Chapter 7. Giant maths Chapter 8. Mathematics at the heart of the curriculum? Chapter 9. Mathematics and the world beyond the classroom Chapter 10. Building mathematical understanding: construction and architecture Chapter 11. Music and mathematics Chapter 12. Playful teaching