Newsletter, September 2011

Mathsticks news - new maths resourcesWelcome to the September Mathsticks newsletter. 

Summer isn't over, but teachers don't have much of a choice - we are all back and the autumn term train is running along the tracks ever faster...

Like lots of you, we have been quiet over the Summer, but Mathsticks is still here. So you can still rely on us.

I am very appreciative of the fact that this site has continued to receive some fantastic accolades; hundereds of on-site comments and dozens of emails (each and every day) from teachers and maths specialists around the world... 

All I can say is  "Thank you for the Thanks!"

If you haven't been back to the site for a while you may have missed some recent changes and new resources, such as:


For Early Years / Key Stage 1

Over the past few weeks we've add dozens of new resources - here are just a few of the most popular ones.

  • Times Table Target Boards - a practical and effective way to help children develop confidence with some of the 'harder' multiplication tables [this activity was designed by a student teacher].
  • Flash Card Number Bonds - a simple enough idea, number bonds to 10 printed on opposite sides of a 'flash card', makes a great starter activity...
  • Rocket Digit Cards - numbers from 0 to 25 in a Rocket theme (A6), perfect for most number games, counting, sorting or ordering.
  • Tug of War with a Difference - simple subtraction activity incorporated into a novel looking game for two children.

 
For Key Stage 2

Over the past few weeks we've add dozens of new resources - here are just a few of the most popular ones.

  • Decimal Digit Cards - use all your favourite digit card activities with this range of 100 cards, spanning from 0.1 to 10
  • 4, 5 and 6 Times Tables Target Boards - a very popular (and much requested) times table game and tracking resource.
  • Face co-ordinates game - would you believe it?! This is our first co-ordinates activity, based (not surprisingly) on the game of battleships, but with a bit of mathsticks fun.


 Comment Voting and Mathstick Ranks

The old 'voting system' has been reborn. This time as a vote of thanks for helpful comments. Here's the scenario:

You comment on a resource in a helpful, meaningful way (offering an alternative use, or describing how the game worked with your class...). Another member likes your comment and votes for it (selects the 'thumbs up' icon). Everyone sees how popular your comment is. You receive 5 more mathstick points. The more points you get the higher up the mathstick ranks you move. You show your rank by having a badge or sticker on your comment. (If you are old enough to remember "Green Shield Stamps", you will know what fun this can be!)

Here's more information: Mathstick Points and Mathstick Ranks 

 

Sharing

All websites like to get themselves noticed - mathsticks is no different! We've recently upgraded the "Share This" system to make it even easier for you loyal members to let their friends and/or co-workers know about any resources or information they find. You will now see a host of 'social' link buttons to help you spread the news: from a simple email link, through 'digg', twitter and facebook right up to the sparkly new Google +1 system. This last one is certainly worth a look at. If you use Google (what do I mean 'if''?) you will find the +1 voting system is soon to become ubiquitous you'll wonder how we survived without it. Give it a go today.

 

More Resources... More Regular Updates

I think what makes mathsticks special (correct me if I'm wrong), is the quality of the content. We don't post 75 new resources every afternoon, it's a more sedate, honest process than that. We don't post everythign we see, make or use - we only post the best resources. However, we are now aiming to add a fresh batch of materials every week... With more special maths games and resources appearing for Christmas! So, watch this space.

 

Stories, Prizes and Communication

Earlier in the year we heard from one member how she used a mathstick resource as part of a demonstration lesson for a new job. She was successful in gaining that job. Now, we're not here to claim that mathsticks was responsible for that... clearly the teacher's skills and knowledge went 99.99% of the way to earning her that goal. However, it's an interesting story. We've always encouraged comments about our resources, so, if you have a 'story to tell' about how you used a mathstick resource, please let us know. 

Finally, as always, please remember that you can share your ideas here. Maybe let us know how you use the mathstick resources, or share a new idea with all our members.

Members can use the 'Comment' box that appears at the end of each resource description, or send a general comment using the Contact mathsticks tab on the top navigation bar.

If you read a comment that is useful - don't forget to give a 'thumbs up' to let the member know that their idea and comment is appreciated!

Also, we do have a Facebook page. Drop by to check out our list of resources, ask a question, or tell us you like something.

 

Statistics! (as of 9th September 2011)

 

Regards,

John

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