Maths

Maths Approaches and Resources

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Mathematics Education

My approach to mathematics instruction is grounded in the belief that every student is a capable mathematical thinker. I foster a Thinking Classroom culture where the focus shifts from rote memorization to deep conceptual understanding. By utilizing Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) and rich mathematical tasks, I make student thinking visible and collective.

I am a strong advocate for the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) instructional framework, a passion developed through my extensive experience with the Maths — No Problem! curriculum. By anchoring new concepts in concrete manipulatives and pictorial representations, I provide a scaffolded pathway toward abstract mastery and procedural fluency.

Guided by the Illustrative Mathematics framework and the NZ Common Practice Model, I balance this explicit foundational instruction with problem-based discovery. I am committed to ensuring that students not only know the how but deeply understand the why, empowering them to transfer their skills to complex, real-world challenges.

Structured Maths & Problem-Based Learning

TTT - Building Thinking Classrooms (Suzie Vesper)

Professional Leadership: A workshop presentation detailing my implementation of the BTC framework, including task design, VNPS routines, and Mindful Notes.

Wrap it Up - Unit 1 Project for areas and surface area - Do Not Delete

Authentic performance task where students apply area unit concepts to solve a complex, real-world problems (with the design cycle and AI)

Vesper MS Math G6 Adv Unit 7 Delivery Plan - Rational Numbers

Systematic unit planning aligned with Illustrative Math, utilizing a problem-based approach to foster deep conceptual understanding.

This is not my image (see blog post where it is sourced from) but it is a method I employ when helping students tackle word-based problems.

Explicit Instruction of Math Concepts

Methods for area

Conceptual Geometry: Utilizing visual decomposition and area models (Pictorial CPA stage).

Graph to equation to table Matching activity

Interactive Matching Activity for Expressions and Equations for students to drag and drop.

Revision guide for ratio summative

Breaking down ratio concepts with examples and visuals as a study resource.

Bar Models lesson 2

First of four workshops run for students on Bar Models to visualize mathematical relationships.

Data-Informed Practice and Evidence of Impact

Evidence of Impact: Statistical analysis demonstrating that the Grade 6 cohort achieved the highest MAP growth in the middle school through data-driven interventions.

Mathematical Leadership and Home Partnership

Maths No Problem - Introduction and training

Leading Curriculum Change: Facilitating whole-staff training on the CPA framework and the strategic rollout of a high-rigor, structured maths program.

Year 1 Baseline Assessment

Lead Teacher for Maths: Developed baseline assessments that aligned with Math No Problem to check for progress/ levels.

Braining Camp and math playground

Lead Teacher for Maths: Workshop presentation on digital manipulatives.

Home-School Partnership: Grade 6 Math website I created to provide access to resources, tutorials, and curriculum goals for students and families

Mathematics Assessment and Monitoring

U4 EOY Summative - Fractions

An example of a test that I adapted into standards levels from the Illustrative Math assessments.

Unit 3 EOU Summative Rubric - Rates and Percentages

An example of a test rubric used to assess the final level (standards-based grading)

Self-marking practice sheet in Formative (online assessment tool) with built in hints for support.

Year 5 Baseline Assessment

Math No Problem Year 5 baseline assessment. I developed assessments for every year to be used to check progress.

Math Games and Review

Unit 6 Connect 4 - Expressions and Equations Review

Connect 4 Review game for Expressions and Equations

Angles QR code hunt.pdf

Angles QR code competition - clues were placed around the school and teams raced each other.

I regularly use WayGround, Blooket, and similar sites.

End of Year Revision Jeopardy Game (hosted on Jeopardy Labs)

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