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SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AT HOME

Please find below some information which may help you support your child at home:

Look carefully at the calculation policy for your child’s year group to see the methods used to teach each concept.  

It is really important your child completes all of their weekly numbots or TTRockstar games to develop their mathematical fluency. Being able to recall their number bonds and times tables facts, leads to them becoming more confident and strong mathematicians.  

TTRockstars: https://ttrockstars.com/ 

Numbots: https://play.numbots.com/#/intro  

To find out more about White Rose: https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths  

Free maths workbooks to use at home: https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/free-downloads  

Parent guides to supporting children with maths at home: https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/maths-with-michael  

Free 1 minute maths app/online game to develop maths skills: https://whiteroseeducation.com/1-minute-maths  

Free digital tools to support with maths: https://whiteroseeducation.com/resources/digital-tools 

Information on subitising: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zsjbcmn  

BBC Bitesize – high quality games in different curriculum areas for all ages.

KS1 Maths: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zjxhfg8 

KS2 Maths: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z826n39  

Topmarks – lots of games and information for parents http://www.topmarks.co.uk   

 

At Thorpe Primary Academy we follow the CPA approach

CPA stands for Concrete – Pictorial – Abstract.
It’s a teaching method that helps children truly understand maths by moving through three stages of learning, rather than jumping straight to symbols and numbers. 

Think of it as learning by doing, then seeing, then thinking. 

1. Concrete (Hands-On Learning) 

Children first use real objects to explore a concept. 

Examples: 

  • Using counters to show 5 + 3 

  • Building shapes with blocks 

  • Measuring using actual rulers or weights 

Why it helps: 

Children can touch and manipulate materials, which builds a strong foundation of understanding. 

2. Pictorial (Visual Learning) 

Once children understand the concept with real objects, they move to drawings or pictures. 

Examples: 

  • Drawing circles instead of using counters 

  • Bar models or number lines 

  • Pictures representing groups or parts 

Why it helps: 

It creates a bridge between hands-on experience and symbolic maths. Children learn to picture a problem in their mind. 

3. Abstract (Symbols & Numbers) 

Finally, children use numbers and mathematical symbols (the form adults are most familiar with). 

Examples: 

  • 5 + 3 = 8 

  • 12 ÷ 3 = 4 

  • Algebraic expressions 

Why it helps: 

By the time they reach this stage, children have explored the idea in concrete and visual ways, so the symbols now make sense. 

Why schools use CPA 

  • It builds deep understanding, not just rote learning. 

  • Helps children who struggle with abstract maths feel confident. 

  • Makes maths more accessible, especially for younger learners. 

  • Encourages problem-solving and reasoning. 

How parents can support at home 

  • Use everyday objects (Lego, fruit, coins) to model maths problems. 

  • Ask children to draw pictures to explain their thinking. 

  • Once they’re confident, encourage them to write the number sentences. 

  • Always let them move back to concrete or pictorial if they’re stuck.

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