I am a retired head teacher with a passion for writing and discovering the most effective methods of helping children learn. My local primary school is Tonypandy and you will find me there two afternoons each week working with groups of children.
My main areas of focus are Maths with the emphasis on the early years and English, especially drama.
I am a retired head teacher with a passion for writing and discovering the most effective methods of helping children learn. My local primary school is Tonypandy and you will find me there two afternoons each week working with groups of children.
My main areas of focus are Maths with the emphasis on the early years and English, especially drama.
Mental Imaging Games, is the seventh video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math program. This video explains how children can naturally acquire a ‘mental image’ of the rods. This ability will accelerate their math development considerably.
The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Introducing Signs: Equivalence = is the sixteenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math 1 & 2 program. The video explains how to introduce the foundational mathematical concept of equivalence.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Staircases and Mutiplication is the twelfth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math 1 & 2 program. Each multiplication table has a distinct pattern that can be revealed by the rods.
The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years,. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Language Development and Math is the thirteenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math 1 & 2 program. The video reveals how the program assists children’s language development.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years,. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Mental Agility is the tenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math 1 & 2 program. Developing mental agility in your child will accelerate his ability to grasp mathematical concepts.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Cardinal Number is the eighth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math program. No more counting on fingers once children have grasped this important concept.
The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Introducing Signs: Addition + is the fourteenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math 1 & 2 program. The video explains how to introduce the concept of addition.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Important Words and Phrases, is the fifth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math 1 & 2 program. The video explains the specific vocabulary children need to be familiar with before mathematical concepts are introduced. The vocabulary can be introduced during free play and directed activity sessions.
The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the program outlined in Child's Play Math 1 & 2. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The program itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of math concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The program utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Math is designed to introduce math concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp math concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Developing Memory Recall, is the sixth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. This video reveals the Learning Equation and how the programme will develop a child’s ability to retain what he has learnt.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Mental Imaging Games, is the seventh video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. This video explains how children can naturally acquire a ‘mental image’ of the rods. This ability will accelerate their maths development considerably.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Cardinal Number is the eighth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. No more counting on fingers once children have grasped this important concept.
The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Staircases is the ninth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. The video explains why staircases created with the Cuisenaire Rods are such potent mathematical constructions.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Mental Agility is the tenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Math programme. Developing mental agility in your child will accelerate his ability to grasp mathematical concepts.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Cinderella’s Staircase is the eleventh video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. The video explains how ‘staircases’ can be extended beyond the first ten colours/numbers to infinity.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Staircases and Mutiplication is the twelfth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. Each multiplication table has a distinct pattern that can be revealed by the rods.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Introducing Signs: Addition + is the fourteenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. The video explains how to introduce the concept of addition.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
Introducing Signs: Greater Than > Less Than < is the fifteenth video in the series supporting the Child's Play Maths programme. The video explains how to introduce the concept ‘greater than’ and ‘less than’.The series is comprised of over 60 sequential videos and follows the programme outlined in Child's Play Maths. Each video provides a practical tutorial using the software app available from the Help Your Child store.
The programme itself adopts a radical and practical approach to the introduction and teaching of maths concepts and is compatible with any school curriculum. Understanding is achieved via play, games and open-ended tasks and challenges.
The programme utilises Cuisenaire Rods universally regarded as the most complete arithmetical model ever devised. Sadly their potential is rarely explored.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' program for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Because of its unique approach embracing all the learning styles children are able to master maths concepts generally considered 'too difficult' for them.
The first four videos are available for free.
Videos will subsequently be available in groups of four on a monthly basis. Together they comprise a full year’s course.
A play script for Key Stage 2 children.
Bumblebania is gripped by fear. A ferocious dragon is busily devouring its inhabitants while the King desperately struggles to find a hero brave enough to slay the beast. Queen Ammoania is also desperately seeking a suitor for the Princess Lucinda. The obvious solution is to offer the hand of the Princess to the hero who slays the dragon and delivers Bumblebania from its nightmare. Unfortunately when a hero does turn up he is not what everyone expects.
A Chronicle of Bumblebania with performance and reproduction rights for your school or organization.
Videos 5 - 8 of the series that supports and expands upon the Child's Play Maths 1 & 2 programme.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' programme for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Video 5: Important Words and Phrases - reveals the key words and phrases used to introduce maths concepts to very young children when working with Cuisenaire Rods;
Video 6: Developing Memory Recall - the 'Learning Equation' and how it is fundamental to the success of the Child's Play Maths programme;
Video 7: Mental Imaging - explains what 'mental imaging' is, how it can accelerate your child's progress, and games to play to help develop this crucial ability;
Video 8: Cardinal Number - the common consequence of children failing to grasp this concept at an early stage in their development and how the programme enables them to acquire it naturally.
Also included are the accompanying PPT Presentations that comprise part of each video.
Four new videos plus the PPT Presentations will be added each month. Together they comprise a full years course.
JANUARY 2016: Words and Phrases; Unit 6: Developing Memory Recall; Unit 7: Mental Imaging Games; Unit 8: Cardinal Number.
FEBRUARY 2016: Unit 9: Staircases; Unit 10: Mental Agility; Unit 11: Extended Staircases; Unit 12: Preparation for Multiplication.
MARCH 2016: Unit 13: Language Development; Unit 14:Introducing Signs; Unit 15: Signs < >; Unit 16: Signs =
APRIL 2016: Unit 17: Brackets ( ); Unit 18: Signs -; Unit 19: Signs x; Unit 20: Signs Division
MAY 2016: Unit 21: Fractions as Operators; Unit 22: Reviewing; Unit 23: The Importance of Questions; Unit 24: Partitions of Length
JUNE 2016: Unit 25: Families of Equivalent Fractions and Products; Unit 26: Families of Equivalent Subtraction; Unit 27:Families of Equivalent Fractions; Unit 28: The First Phase - An Overview
JULY 2016: Unit 29: Getting Organised and Moving On; Unit 30:Beyond the Rods; Unit31: Studying Families; Unit 32: Families of Partitions
AUGUST 2016: Unit 33: Partitioning Without the Rods; Unit 34:Time Out for 'Talk'; Unit 35: The Commutative Property of Addition; Unit 36: Consolidating - Mental Substitution
SEPTEMBER 2016: Unit 37: The 'Grain of Rice' Principle; Unit 38:Free Expression; Unit 39: Families of Equivalent Difference; Unit 40: Extending the Challenge
The programme completion date is March 2017
Videos 9 - 12 of the series that supports and expands upon the Child's Play Maths 1 & 2 programme.
Child's Play Maths is designed to introduce maths concepts to children from the age of 5 years through to the age of 11 years. It can equally be used as an effective 'catch-up' programme for older children or adults who struggled to grasp maths concepts the first time round.
Unit 9: Staircases: Why Staircases are very potent mathematical constructions.
Unit 10: Mental Agility: An important ability to develop for later work, for example, with fractions and graphs.
Unit 11: Extended Staircases: Staircases can be extended beyond the first ten steps just as numbers can extend beyond ten to infinity.
Unit 12: Preparation for Multiplication: Each multiplication table has a distinct pattern that can be revealed by the rods.
Also included are the accompanying PPT Presentations that comprise part of each video.
Four new videos plus the PPT Presentations will be added each month. Together they comprise a full years course.
MARCH 2016: Unit 13: Language Development; Unit 14:Introducing Signs; Unit 15: Signs < >; Unit 16: Signs =
APRIL 2016: Unit 17: Brackets ( ); Unit 18: Signs -; Unit 19: Signs x; Unit 20: Signs Division
MAY 2016: Unit 21: Fractions as Operators; Unit 22: Reviewing; Unit 23: The Importance of Questions; Unit 24: Partitions of Length
JUNE 2016: Unit 25: Families of Equivalent Fractions and Products; Unit 26: Families of Equivalent Subtraction; Unit 27:Families of Equivalent Fractions; Unit 28: The First Phase - An Overview
JULY 2016: Unit 29: Getting Organised and Moving On; Unit 30:Beyond the Rods; Unit31: Studying Families; Unit 32: Families of Partitions
AUGUST 2016: Unit 33: Partitioning Without the Rods; Unit 34:Time Out for 'Talk'; Unit 35: The Commutative Property of Addition; Unit 36: Consolidating - Mental Substitution
SEPTEMBER 2016: Unit 37: The 'Grain of Rice' Principle; Unit 38:Free Expression; Unit 39: Families of Equivalent Difference; Unit 40: Extending the Challenge
OCTOBER 2016: Unit 41: Families of Factors and Divisors; Unit 42: Factor Families – The Commutative Property of Multiplication; Unit 43: Factor Families – Consolidation; Unit 44: Factor Families – Families of Factors and Divisors
NOVEMBER 2016: Unit 45: Numbers Have Names – Fractions as Operators; Unit 46: Families of Equivalent Fractions/Quotients; Unit 47: Equivalent Fraction families – Generating Staircases; Unit 48: Reciprocal Fractions
The programme completion date is March 2017