Visual Models and Images Supported by Signs and Symbols: a Wave 3 Programme Designed By

Visual Models and Images supported by Signs and Symbols: a ‘Wave 3’ programme designed by Brighton and Hove LEA.

To date the national picture of attainment in mathematics has been one in which a significant number of children have not been able to ‘move on’ in numeracy. Initial gains in KS1 and KS2 identified in 1999 and 2000 have now ‘plateaued out’. Experience in Brighton and Hove schools indicated that these children often had speech and language difficulties and responded best to visual models and images supported by kinaesthetic learning styles.

Susan Saunders, Primary Mathematics Consultant and Catherine Bone, Speech and Language Support Service Specialist Teacher, reviewed the materials available and formulated the idea of a programme that would be based on the use of the structural apparatus Numicon and Cuisenaire, alongside sign and symbol.

This programme has been designed for use with children predominantly in Years 2, 3 or 4 who are performing at significantly below age-related expectations in mathematics.

The content focuses on counting, place value, addition and subtraction.

The materials were trialled with five Brighton and Hove schools in the Autumn term 2004. All children made progress as evidenced by improved scores in the assessment and responses to attitudinal pupil questionnaires. They all ‘moved on’ in mathematics but did not necessarily ‘catch up’. Confidence of staff also increased: ‘I feel more confident and use signing as much as possible.’ ‘It’s been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.’

The programme has since been ‘rolled out’ to most schools in Brighton and Hove and results have been very encouraging: The x-axis shows the children’s score using the programme’s assessment prior to the delivery of the programme and the y-axis shows the gain in raw score at the end of the 10-week programme.

Progress was not only evident from the quantitative data but also from a qualitative survey of pupil attitudes. One child drew his feelings:

For further information on the theoretical basis for the programme, please contact Susan Saunders ([email protected]).

The programme is now available for all schools. Copies can be purchased from the Primary Team at a cost of £7.00 for Brighton and Hove schools and £20.00 for those in other LEAs to include postage and packing. (Admin team to add contact details.)

The Brighton and Hove team are also available to deliver training in other authorities, please ring 01273 294204 for details.