My Experience with Busy at Maths
Hello everyone,
Welcome to a good old fashioned blog post! In the age of reels, Tiktok, AI and everything else, it sometimes feels like the age of the written word is well and truly gone. I don’t have much time for writing blog posts these days but when I do have time I will continue to write them, to exercise my own brain more than anything! In this blog post , I want to share my experience of using the Busy at Maths scheme with you. I am in SET this year supporting senior infants and first class and have been using Busy at Maths in this setting. My daughter is also in first class and uses the Busy at Maths book for homework too so I have used it both as a parent and a teacher!
What are my thoughts?
Well it is a huge improvement on our last scheme anyway which is a good start.
One of the standout features for me is the teacher resource book. It is very well-organised and user-friendly, which makes a real difference when it comes to planning. Each topic is clearly laid out with learning intentions, key vocabulary, and step-by-step guidance on how to introduce and develop concepts. I particularly like how the lessons are broken down into manageable sections, including a warm-up, whole-class teaching, guided practice, and opportunities for independent work. This structure makes it very easy to follow while still allowing flexibility to adapt lessons to suit the needs of my groups.
The planning guidelines are another area I find useful. The programme provides clear progression across topics, ensuring that concepts are revisited and built upon in a meaningful way. There is strong alignment with the curriculum, and the suggested pacing helps take the pressure off long-term and short-term planning. I find the guidance around differentiation especially helpful in a learning support setting, with practical suggestions for supporting children who need more reinforcement as well as ideas for extending more confident learners.
In terms of classroom practice, the emphasis on hands-on learning and maths talk is excellent. The teacher resource book regularly suggests the use of concrete materials such as counters, cubes, number lines, and ten frames. The programme encourages using real objects first before moving to pictorial and then abstract representations. This gradual approach really supports comprehension, particularly for children who may struggle with more abstract thinking.
The pupils’ workbooks are equally impressive. They are very well laid out. Each page focuses on a specific skill or concept, and the progression within the pages is very well thought out. There is a strong mix of activities ranging from colouring, matching, and tracing in the infant levels, to more structured problem-solving tasks as children move on. I also really like the inclusion of activities that encourage discussion, such as questions where children are asked to explain their thinking or spot mistakes. These provide valuable opportunities for maths talk, which I’ve found hugely beneficial in developing both understanding and confidence.
Another aspect that stands out is how well the programme supports home learning. As a parent, I see this from both perspectives as my daughter is using Busy at Maths in school, and I find the layout of the homework pages very clear and manageable. The instructions are straightforward, and the consistency in format means children quickly become familiar with what is expected. It strikes a really good balance between reinforcing learning and not overwhelming parents.
Overall, my favourite aspects of the scheme include the teacher resource book for planning day to day lessons, the planning documents which do all the planning for you as the class teacher, and the layout of the children’s workbooks. I love the emphasis on Maths Talk and how this is weaved in to each chapter too. Oh and the assessment booklet is excellent, it has an assessment for each term/ half term and it is all in one booklet which is really handy for your assessment folder!