The challenge for teachers with KS1 assessment is to design activities that will yield evidence about each child's abilities. We discuss how activities help and how teachers actively assess. Melanie discusses how she manages a whole class activity, and focuses on particular children. She makes notes after the activity, rather than during. She listens for mathematical language. They talk about the use of the familiar puppet. The story starter for activities is discussed. Real money and a familiar context work well. Vanessa points out that watching them whilst they work reveals more evidence than looking at what they write down. The bean bag game is enjoyable fun for the children, but yields a lot of evidence. Making adaptable games is praised. Not giving the children resources in the first instance promotes higher level mental activity. The real world context for capacity is discussed as is the need to observe and record children's mistakes as well as their successes.

Video Series: KS1/2 Maths
Release Date 2006