Add and Subtract - Windows and markers - Practical Maths Activity

Transforming the way Year 2 students engage with addition and subtraction is as simple as looking through a window—quite literally. By swapping out paper for glass, this practical maths activity utilises windows and window markers to create a dynamic learning environment. The equipment required is straightforward: just a set of window markers. With these, children can practice and recall addition and subtraction facts up to 20, meeting the National Curriculum objectives for their year group. This method not only adds a touch of novelty to familiar exercises but also makes the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable.

The transparent nature of windows provides a unique twist to conventional maths problems. For example, children can incorporate elements from the world outside the window into their calculations. By observing and counting, say, the red cars that drive past and subtracting the number of yellow cars, students can create real-time, visually engaging maths problems. This approach not only reinforces their arithmetic skills but also encourages quick thinking and keeps them engaged with a live, ever-changing set of variables to work with.