A worked example shows both the question and the completed steps. It can reduce the amount the child has to remember and let them focus on how the method works.

Choose a close match

Use an example supplied by school, from the child’s book or from the same homework set. It should use the same operation and layout as the new question. Many primary schools also post their calculation policy on the school website, which shows each written method step by step for each year group.

Place the example beside the work. Ask the child to:

1. identify what is the same and different;

2. explain the first step;

3. complete the matching step in the new question;

4. check the result before moving on.

For example, a completed subtraction using exchange (what many adults learnt as “borrowing”) is helpful only if the new question also needs exchange. A question that looks similar may need a different approach.

Step back gradually

After one successful question, partly cover the worked steps. Then turn the example over and ask the child to try independently. Bring it back briefly if a recurring error appears.

Do not leave the model permanently available or encourage copying without explanation. Tell school if the child can copy the steps but cannot say what the numbers represent.

A useful free resource

The National Numeracy Family Maths Toolkit provides free activities for using number at home. You need to give an email address to get them.

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.