The following activities and ideas are based on the "Math Resource Studio" software which can be downloaded by following the link at the bottom of the page.

The program lets you create personalised worksheets which will encourage children to practice their arithmetic skills. Worksheets can be based on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and can be altered to suit particular levels of ability, or to address certain problems which children might have. Magic Square worksheets can also be created, along with a wide range of sheets for other topics.

Here's how the program could be used:

1) To build up a collection of worksheets which children can complete:

b) when the children are stuck and are waiting for assistance from the teacher.

c) for homework.

2) To reinforce certain skills which the children might need to practice. For example, if a child needs help remembering their five times table, you can print a sheet consisting completely of questions based on the five times table.

3) The program is so easy to use that children could make worksheets for themselves. After discussing a target with them (e.g. need to practice long division more), the children could create a number of division worksheets for themselves. They could then record how long it takes for them to complete each worksheet. If their speed improves (and as long as their accuracy doesn't deteriorate) they could be given a reward of some kind (depending on your school's reward system).

4) The children could also create worksheets for each other, and test each other on their mathematical skills.

5) Have a Worksheet Race. Create a worksheet for each child (suited to their level of ability) and ask the children to complete their sheets as fast as possible. If the worksheets are differentiated, all children should have an equal chance of winning. You must, of course, remember that accuracy is most important, so children who complete their sheets in the fastest time, but get lots of wrong answers, could have penalty seconds added to their times.

To vist the Math Resource Studio web site, click on the box below:

Rate / Review this idea: