New Abacus
Written by David Kirkby,Ruth Merttens
118 pages, about 2 hours of reading
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Themes, characters and key ideas in New Abacus, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- intermediate
- practical
- structured
- supportive
New Abacus by David Kirkby and Ruth Merttens is a 118-page educational resource designed to support teachers in implementing mathematics activities. It provides detailed instructions for differentiated activities, ranging from paired and group work to whole-class investigations, which are outlined on companion 'Teacher Cards'. The book identifies key learning points for each activity and offers opportunities for further teaching or Special Educational Needs (SEN) support (STA input), serving as a practical guide to foster engaging and inclusive math instruction.
“Provides details of the activities outlined on the Teacher Card.”
Key themes
- Differentiated Instruction
- This is the central and most prominent theme. The book explicitly aims to provide activities that cater to the diverse learning needs and abilities within a classroom. It offers strategies and tasks that can be adapted to suit various levels of understanding and learning styles, ensuring inclusivity and maximizing student engagement and progress.
- Active Learning and Engagement
- The book promotes a shift from passive reception of knowledge to active participation. By outlining activities that involve students in doing, discussing, and investigating, it aims to foster deeper understanding and retention of mathematical concepts, rather than just rote memorization.
- Structured Pedagogical Support
- The book serves as a vital support tool for teachers, providing clear, pre-designed activities and identifying 'Key learning points.' This structure aims to streamline lesson planning, ensure curriculum alignment, and equip teachers with reliable resources for effective instruction and targeted intervention.
Worth discussing
How effectively does the 'New Abacus' approach support differentiated learning in a mixed-ability classroom?
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