Extra practice sheets may not be needed. Use calculations that already appear in homework, revision or everyday tasks to check whether a familiar method is still remembered.

Ask for the method first

When a previously taught calculation appears, ask the young person to explain the planned method before starting. After completing it, use an estimate or the opposite calculation to check the result.

For example, before calculating a percentage discount, ask how they will find the percentage and what approximate answer they expect. If the method and result are accurate, move on.

Step in only where needed

Bring back a school worked example when the same difficulty returns. Review that single point, then remove the example and let the young person continue. If homework is set on an online platform such as Sparx Maths (paid), the short help video for that question is a quick way to see the method again.

Do not add unrelated worksheets or practise every method at once. The aim is to keep useful calculation available while protecting time for the wider subject.

If the same procedure repeatedly disappears between lessons, record the question type and speak to the maths teacher about whether a short planned review is needed.

Talamo has no commercial relationship with any of the organisations named here. We suggest them only because we think they could be useful to families.