MathsBook PLUS [Four Rules]

www.topologika.com/catalogue/mbp.htm

KS2 (Years 3 - 6)

Mathematics

This product is distributed by Topologika Software Ltd (Tel: 01273 863606)

MathsBook enables the children to work through a series of addition and subtraction sums. These range from adding a one-digit number to a two-digit number, right through to working with three digit decimal fractions. MathsBook allows children to work at a level appropriate to them, work to a time limit, print out results from each session and print out a worksheet for the children to continue practicing on at a later date. The software is easily accessible and is very user-friendly, with the children understanding how to use it after a short time. The tools are self-explanatory with clear explanations. Children have immediate feedback as to whether a sum is correct, or not and MathsBook gives pointers as to where mistakes have been made.

MathsBook is a simple program that allowed children to practice the standard written methods of addition and subtraction. The program could be pre-set with difficulty ratings for groups, or individuals and provided worksheets for children to continue to practice. The title is only designed for this purpose and although it is easy to use, it does look just like a maths book. The title generates sums for children to answer using the keyboard and the mouse. Help levels could be pre-set and there is a facility where children had to estimate the answer to the sum when it was set out horizontally, before attempting it in the standard layout. Alternatively, the program could be set up so that children had to make up their own sum to fit a particular example.

After an initial whole class session on accessing MathsBook and selecting the appropriate group, children worked with a partner of similar ability. The children were then given 15 minutes to work through the questions, which ranged from adding and subtracting two digit numbers to a one digit number and, right through to working with three digit decimal fractions.

The pupils were shown as a class how to open, put their name into and use the software. MathsBook was then used to demonstrate and revise pencil and paper methods with the class. Afterwards, one group a day went on with support from an additional adult. The time was set to three minutes for each child, beginning at a level pre-arranged by me and at the end, each child printed out a worksheet, which they continued to work on in class.