AfterMaths: Bean 13, Algebra, And a Little Maths Magic

In this Aftermaths episode of The Primary Maths Podcast, Jon Cripwell and Becky Brown reflect on the week’s conversation about using storybooks in mathematics and share a range of classroom ideas sparked by World Book Day.

The episode begins with Jon and Becky recounting their first in-person meeting as colleagues after a slightly confusing start involving two similarly named hotels in Southampton. From there, the discussion turns to the power of storybooks in maths lessons following Tuesday’s interview with Hannah Allison. Jon and Becky explore how narrative can support mathematical thinking and engagement, helping pupils notice patterns, make connections and develop curiosity about number.

Becky shares one of her favourite mathematical picture books, Bean 13 by Matthew McKelligott, a story that provides a brilliant context for exploring factors, sharing and prime numbers. The conversation highlights how storybooks can offer low-threshold, high-ceiling entry points into mathematical ideas and why picture books can be just as powerful with older primary pupils as they are in the early years.

Jon also reflects on recent work with teachers and raises an important professional discussion about the role of schemes of work. Schemes can be incredibly helpful in planning progression, representations and tasks, but they should be treated as a resource rather than a script. The conversation explores how teachers can adapt schemes thoughtfully to meet the needs of the pupils in front of them while still benefiting from the structure they provide.

In Becky’s Etymathsology segment, the pair explore the origins of the word algebra. The term traces back to the Arabic word al-jabr, meaning restoration or reunion, and was used by the ninth-century mathematician Al-Khwarizmi in his work on solving equations. The discussion also challenges the common misconception that algebra only begins in secondary school, highlighting how children begin working algebraically from the earliest years through missing number problems and generalisations.

The episode finishes with a piece of mathematical magic: the classic 1089 number trick. Jon walks Becky through a short sequence of calculations using a three-digit number, which always results in the number 1089. Listeners are invited to try the trick themselves and think about how algebra might help explain why it works.

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