Teacher Interview: Using GO Maths with a Composite Class Go to Articles

What age/s do you teach?

10–12 year olds

How do you organise the teaching of a GO Maths lesson in your classroom situation?

I teach hybrid lessons, moving from Year 5 to Year 6 continually, also using GO Figure and Think Tanks for competent workers. I usually spend 80 minutes each day teaching maths.

What factors influence a decision to teach lessons, components of lessons, or even whole units collectively to a group or separately?

The content matter and whether or not it is being taught for the first time this year.

When you teach separately, how do you organise your classroom so that you can deliver a GO Maths lesson to a particular instruction level?

I have a timetable of alternative maths activities for Year 5 and Year 6 to do when I’m specifically working with a certain group, for example, Think Tanks, calculator challenges, computer maths games.

What challenges have you encountered in teaching or implementing GO Maths in your classroom situation?

It took a term to get the children used to me bouncing back and forth from Year 5 to Year 6. Now we’re all used to it and it’s amazing how much maths the group working independently absorbs when I’m working with the other group.

What advice can you offer teachers who are in a similar situation?

Persevere – once the children are into a routine they become very empowered and take responsibility for their learning.

Are there any resources that assist you to teach maths in your classroom situation?

Decimal fans, hundred charts, geometric equipment, compasses, GO Maths resources, measuring equipment 

Other comments

I experimented with setting up my classroom until I found something that worked for my kids and myself. Trial and error has paid off.