Purposeful, playful practice ‘in action’

The EEF’s maths specialist, Grace Coker, introduces a clip from the classroom created by North London Alliance Research School which shows the role games can play in supporting children’s mathematical development.

Delivering high-quality maths teaching is essential to achieving the best outcomes for all pupils. It is important for young children to explore mathematics through different contexts, such as including books, puzzles, songs, rhymes, and games. Meaningful contexts can make learning relevant for young children. They can support the development of a deeper mathematical understanding and help children to make those vital connections.

The graphic below summarises some potential benefits of using mathematical games, highlighting how they can be used purposefully as a teaching and learning tool.

You can see examples of purposeful use of mathematical games ‘in action’ in this new Clip from the Classroom created by North London Alliance Research School.

Watch: Purposeful, playful practice | Research Schools Network

As you are watching, you may want to consider the following questions:

• How are mathematical games used in your setting?
• How can modelling games being used purposefully help to develop teacher techniques?
• How could you use this video to support the professional development of colleagues around the purposeful use of mathematical games?