Maths Wraps - are they any good?

[LittleJingleBellsMum]

Hi

My dd is in yr 2 and is developing a mental block when it comes to maths.

I really want to help her get over this - i have noticed maths wraps, does anyone have nay experience of these?
Thanks

Didn't want your post to go unanswered LJBM; I have seen the wraps in the BrightMinds catalogue and TBH they look a little gimmicky and not something that I could see my DDs (yr5, yr2) wanting to use. However someone may be along soon to say how fantastic they are!

What is your DDs mental block specifically? Lots of good advice on MN at your disposal!

I've used them in class, they are quite limited, but useful for some children practising number bonds and tables.
IMO, you'd be better off targeting her specific weaknesses through practical maths activities, or using some of the free online games and activities.

Thanks both - the problem is that she struggles to explain what the problem is. Just that since she's started this year she " hates maths" and complains every day when she has to do maths. TBH, she doens't always recognize what she is doing as maths and so this doesn't help. When challenged, multiplcation seemed to be bugging her the most - this was before she'd even done it when we spoke to her teacher. Her teacher isn't concerned as she thinks she will be average in maths. In most other areas she's above average. I don't really care what level she is at but just want to help her get over this aversion to maths before it gets too big, after all she has years of maths to go!!

Goblinchild can you recomend any online games that would help with times tables?

I'm no expert but I really helped improve my dd1s standard of maths by going back to basics with her. The reason she was less confident was because she was not really firm in the more basic stuff - she could do it - but slowly. When I'd ensured that she was really rock solid with the more foundational things then the harder stuff was no longer a problem.
To use to example of dd2, who is only in yr1. She has an excellent grasp of place value and basic times tables but what hinders her progres is that actually she is slow on the really basic 4+3 stuff. So she needs to practice more of that, rather than pushing her on.

I got a maths wrap for my dc and it's helped them with their times tables. The one I have at home does the tables in order. Works better if they recite the particular table as they go.

I have another one at school (year 3 TA) which does each table in a random order. Bit trickier as the child has to have an appreciation of the particular table. Anything to help with tables has got to be a godsend IMO, and the children in my class always ask if they can use the maths thingy every morning.

Thanks Dr Zeus - I think if we could just give her confidence with her tables, it might get past the block

Times tables is my thing at school! I have to say, learning by rote is the best way. They need to be able to count in say 3's, but to recite the x table - 1x3 is, 2x3 is etc etc is such a good way. We recite x tables on the way to school, in the car, waiting in the queue at the supermarket - wherever we are! Once they get the hang of it in order, then do quickfire random questions. I do try and make it light hearted! . There are some really good maths games on the internet too:

Hit the button
BBC Skillswise
Table trees

PS forgot to mention ds2 is in year 2 as well.

Thank you for the tips and links - will try them