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How parents can help with modern maths methods

Explain new-looking strategies so adults can support without dismissing them.

Quick answer

Parents can support their children with modern maths methods by understanding the reasoning behind strategies like number bonds, partitioning, and bar models, rather than just focusing on getting the right answer. This helps children build a deeper understanding of numbers and maths concepts.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to support your child with modern maths methods at home, so they can confidently learn new strategies without feeling confused or frustrated. Success signs:
  • You can explain to your child why a strategy works, not just how to do it
  • You can spot the maths in everyday activities like shopping or cooking
  • You can help your child with their homework without making it feel like a battle
  • You feel confident using tools like number lines, arrays, or bar models

Why this matters

Modern maths methods help children understand the why behind the how. This builds a strong foundation for more complex maths later on. When parents understand these methods, they can give better support and avoid accidentally confusing their child. It also helps children feel more confident and less stressed about maths, which is key to their long-term success.

How it works

Modern maths methods use strategies that help children think about numbers in flexible ways. These methods are based on research into how children learn best. Here's how they work:
  1. Visual models like bar models, number lines, and arrays help children see maths problems visually.
  2. Number bonds show how numbers can be split into parts, helping with addition and subtraction.
  3. Partitioning means breaking numbers into easier parts, like splitting 34 into 30 and 4.
  4. Repeated addition helps children understand multiplication before they learn times tables.
These strategies are not "new" or "weird" – they're designed to make maths more understandable and less stressful.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a few examples to see how these methods work in practice. Example 1: Number bonds If your child is learning to add 7 + 5, they might use a number bond to see that 7 + 3 = 10, and then add 2 more to get 12. This helps them think about numbers in a flexible way. Example 2: Partitioning To solve 34 + 27, a child might split the numbers:
  • 30 + 20 = 50
  • 4 + 7 = 11
  • 50 + 11 = 61
This makes the problem easier to manage. Example 3: Bar models Imagine your child is solving: “There are 12 apples. 5 are red, the rest are green. How many are green?” A bar model would show a bar divided into two parts – one part for red apples and one for green. This helps them see that 12 – 5 = 7.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Maths Explorer's Quest You are a maths explorer on a mission to help your child understand how numbers work. You’ve been given a treasure map that shows different maths methods. Each step of the way, you need to solve a problem using a new strategy.
  1. Step 1: Use number bonds to solve 8 + 6
  2. Step 2: Use partitioning to solve 43 + 29
  3. Step 3: Draw a bar model to solve: “There are 15 birds. 7 fly away. How many are left?”
After completing these steps, you’ll have a better understanding of how to help your child with modern maths.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that modern methods are "too hard" or "not the right way".
    Why it happens: Parents may be used to older methods and feel unsure.
    Fix: Take time to learn the new methods. They are designed to help, not confuse.
  • Mistake: Focusing only on the final answer.
    Why it happens: Parents want to make sure the child "gets it right."
    Fix: Ask your child to explain their thinking. This helps them learn more.
  • Mistake: Dismissing the method because it looks different from what you learned.
    Why it happens: It’s natural to feel confused when something is new.
    Fix: Try the method yourself. It might be easier than you think!

Parent and carer guide

Here are 5 simple ways you can support your child with modern maths:
  1. Ask questions like “How did you solve that?” or “Can you show me how you thought about it?” This helps your child explain their thinking.
  2. Use everyday maths – cooking, shopping, or counting objects around the house.
  3. Be patient – it can take time to get used to new methods.
  4. Don’t worry about getting the answer right – focus on the process of thinking.
  5. Try the method yourself – if you understand it, you can help your child better.
Remember, you’re not expected to be a maths expert. You’re helping your child become confident and curious about numbers.

Practice questions

  1. Use number bonds to solve 9 + 7.
  2. Use partitioning to solve 56 + 38.
  3. Draw a bar model to solve: “There are 18 cats. 9 are black. How many are not black?”
  4. How can you use repeated addition to solve 4 × 3?
  5. Explain how you would solve 25 + 17 using partitioning.
Answers:
  1. 9 + 1 = 10, then 6 more = 16
  2. 50 + 30 = 80, 6 + 8 = 14, 80 + 14 = 94
  3. Bar model with 18 total, 9 black, 9 not black
  4. 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
  5. 20 + 10 = 30, 5 + 7 = 12, 30 + 12 = 42

FAQ

Why do they teach maths differently now?
Modern methods help children understand how numbers work, not just memorise steps. This builds a stronger maths foundation.

Will my child get confused if I don’t understand the new methods?
No! You don’t need to be an expert. You can still help by asking questions and encouraging your child to explain their thinking.

How can I make maths fun at home?
Use games, cooking, shopping, or building to show how maths is part of everyday life.

Are these methods better than old methods?
They are different, not necessarily better. They are designed to help children think more flexibly and deeply about numbers.

What should I do if my child is struggling?
Stay calm and ask your child to show you their work. Try to understand their thinking, not just check if the answer is right.