The Maths Box

Most learners regard maths as one of the most challenging subjects. Even with the willingness to learn and the availability of primary teaching resources to assist with mastering maths concepts, most pupils still find it problematic to excel in this subject. In light of this, Prim-Ed Publishing developed The Maths Box to make teaching the subject fun and engaging for pupils.

As one of the leading maths resources in Ireland, The Maths Box makes learning maths easier and more enjoyable. The boxes cover all the mathematical sub-strands and strands for Senior Infants to 6th Class levels.

Download a sample of The Maths Box

Why is maths important for pupils?

Despite its practical relevance in modern living, some pupils find learning maths too complex and abstract. Improving one's maths skills promotes healthy brain function. Solving maths problems also improves pupils' cognitive skills over time. Furthermore, mathematics helps pupils develop their problem-solving skills. This is beneficial in understanding and solving real-life problems outside the realm of the classroom.

Learning maths also benefits learners by:

• Supporting their analytical thinking and logical reasoning.
• Developing their creativity and flexible thinking.
• Improving their financial literacy.
• Potentially boost their emotional health.

Features of Prim-Ed Publishing's The Maths Box

The Maths Box is a set of seven boxes of cards. Each box corresponds to an individual class from Infants to Sixth. The boxes have been written to facilitate the teaching and learning of mathematical skills and concepts.

Each box contains:

• 75 high-interest, brightly coloured laminated cards (2 of each card, 150 cards in total)
• 75 colourful answer cards
• 1 comprehensive, photocopiable Teachers' Guide

Each Teacher's Guide contains:

• A scope and sequence chart detailing the curriculum objective(s) covered by each card
• Information on how to use and organise the box in the classroom
• An explanation of the different parts of the activity and separate answer cards
• Answer recording sheets for pupils
• Tracking and recording sheets for pupils and teachers to aid assessment
• A list of materials and equipment needed for each card
• Full-colour posters to assist in the teaching of card content and strategies — or for display
• Photocopiable activity sheets to support, practise and extend the card activities
• A full-colour copy of each answer card
• A comprehensive glossary.

Mathematical skills and concepts covered in the series

Specific skills covered in the series include numbers and algebra, measures, data, and shape. Using separate answer cards, pupils can work independently while maintaining a record for their own and the teacher's reference.

Benefits of the series for teachers and pupils

These boxes have been designed to alleviate the rigours of teaching and learning mathematical concepts. They are multi-levelled, unique resources that deliver procedures and activities to impact and improve mathematical skills, pupils' problem-solving abilities, reasoning, knowledge and strategies. Pupils develop new maths skills while reinforcing existing ones.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a typical maths box cost?

Each box in The Maths Box series (boxes 1 to 6 and Early Years) costs €225. School Saver - The Maths Box, which includes all the boxes in the entire series, goes for €1,575.

What maths equipment should I prepare for use with the activity cards?

The comprehensive photocopiable Teachers' Guide in each box lists all the materials and equipment you will need for each card. In Ireland, the equipment you might need include:

• Mathematical instruments, such as a compass, protractor and set square
• Counters, coloured blocks, dominoes, dice or other number and counting materials
• Measuring equipment, such as rulers, scales and tape measures
• Templates for squares, circles, triangles and other geometric shapes
• A chalkboard or whiteboard and their corresponding chalk or dry-erase markers
• Calculators for each pupil
• Pens, posters, coloured paper and activity worksheets