Year 2 falling behind in maths

[confusedinlondon]

My son's school stream their year for maths and English and he is in the top set for both. Last year he was fine with maths and his end of year report showed that he is exceed expectations.

This year is another story, he says he hates maths; that he is getting all of the questions wrongs; and he hates the teacher. Yesterday he received a letter asking him to attend an after school booster club for maths.

I try my best to help him but I have noticed that when we are doing his homework I have to explain the concept again and again and sometimes I end up working out the answer and telling him the answer. I fear I am not teaching him correctly.

Is there anything I can do? I dont want him to start tuition as he is to young and I don't want to make a big deal of it.

I have started to make him watch WhiteRose Maths videos, we watch a video for 5 - 6 mins a few times a week and we practice 2 or 3 questions? Any other suggestions.

[PipaJJ]

Try mathletics .... its fun and you can choose the level, start simple and build confidence.

[confusedinlondon]

Thanks @PipaJJ does mathletics teach the child e.g to work out 17 + 4 you can use numbers bonds to have 17 + 3 = 20 + 1 = 21

[wtftodo]

This is exactly what happened to my child at this point in year 1 (not 2). What’s helped us in the end is 5 mins practice here and there on CGP workbooks, as well as Khan academy. After a few months she is much more confident and more able to work out the questions etc. I’ve no idea if she’s actually catching up again but her attitude and enjoyment is much improved. We also started playing maths based games - pass the pigs, times tables heroes etc so it’s much more around, if that makes sense.

[HyperHippo]

Sounds like you are doing the right things. White Rose is fab. Is it the scheme they use in school?
Try little and often daily practice. Either workbooks, Schofield and Sims to build mentally fluency (but he needs to be motivated as it is dull) or mathletics, smartick etc.

There is quite a jump from Year 1 to 2. Sometimes kids who got it on a surface level and could recall number bonds, add simple numbers but didn't have the depth of understanding can suddenly struggle. It is easy to pick it up again though. Now is the time to really target it and get him feeling confident.

[Benjispruce2]

Try topmarks maths games. Don’t do his work for him. Maths in year 2 will be more independent than Reception and Year 1 and he is probably finding that shift harder.

[Benjispruce2]

www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

[NullcovoidNovember]

Try other stuff... But don't feel bad about a tutor if you can afford.
I don't know why they are so frowned upon.. I'm new to the tutor club after sneering at it too and my goodness, what a luxury they are!
The right tutor, can target and understand how t help your dc, many have visual aids too, and will have endless strategies to support. I speak to an Indian gentleman at work who is amazed by the low level of maths the students he has, have. He said in his community its just what you do, buy specific help in.

[FFS123]

Is your sons school using power maths by any chance? My daughters school used it for year 2. Shes now started year 3 and is so behind in maths we are moving schools. Power maths just doesnt suit her. She was fine in year 1 and loved maths before power maths came in. The number bonding sounds familiar.

[confusedinlondon]

Hi - @FFS123 no idea if they use powermaths or not. sorry.

I

[HyperHippo]

The number bond method to add is used in almost all approaches to maths. I can completely understand why parents find it irritating and wish they could just tell their child to count on or use a column...! But it is about building fluency and mental strategies. They shouldn't be told they 'have' to use a certain method (unless it is specific practice). Instead, it should be about exposing and then doing repeated practice to get the confidence and fluency there.

I find Power Maths a bit confusing and uninspiring in the layout. But the methods match up to most other schemes. Use the White Rose videos and sheets as you are - they are a bit more interesting and develop more spark for maths.