The Vision: Building Problem-Solvers

I want all children to have intellectually and emotionally engaging mathematical experiences. I want us to hold a compelling and practical vision for how we build children as problem-solvers.

This document provides a 1-page vision for Building Problem-Solvers.

Here, I explore how the resources and ideas of I See Maths can be used to outwork this vision. It starts with developing reasoning routines to deepen thinking in daily maths lessons. Then, the building problem-solvers sections show how children can excel in answering word questions and grow as independent problem-solvers. 

Develop Reasoning Routines

Well established reasoning routines are the ways in which children understand and communicate key mathematical ideas in daily lessons. These routines enable children to build a conceptual understanding of mathematics, apply learning flexibly and think divergently. The I See Reasoning eBooks provide the tasks for developing these reasoning routines. The videos below give examples of reasoning routines:

Building Problem-Solvers: Deconstructing Word Questions

Without explicit guidance, children may struggle to apply their knowledge of mathematics to answer word questions. Often, the initial impulse to answer a question prevents children from fully processing the information given. The videos below show how the Deconstructing Word Questions eBooks enable children to build a deep understanding of word questions. Click here for information about the September online INSET sessions about Deconstructing Word Questions. The videos below show some of the key pedagogies for supporting children in this area of mathematics.

Building Problem-Solvers: Sequences of Challenges

We want all children to experience the thrill of engaging with extended problem-solving tasks and for all children to be supported and challenged. The I See Problem-Solving eBooks are written to provide these opportunities, giving purposefully sequenced problem-solving tasks. The videos below show some of the key principles for developing sequences of challenges in problem-solving.

I would love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you may have. If you would like your school or organisation to work with Gareth Metcalfe to outwork this vision, please email iseemaths@hotmail.com