UHI STEM Outreach Programme launches Maths Tales Bags for Maths Week Scotland

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Primary school teachers in the UHI STEM Outreach Programme have created Maths Tales Bags to support early level learners develop maths concepts through storytelling.

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Collage of the three different maths bags available, clockwise: Puffin Peter, The Perfect Fit and Cave Baby.

These resources are launched as part of Maths Week Scotland, which will run from 23 to 29 September and celebrates maths through a variety of activities for schools, families and communities. The theme for 2024 is ‘Maths Tales’ and explores how maths is used in stories.

The bags focus on play and early numeracy, with very little prior knowledge or experience necessary.  They are accessible to all, designed to be explored by young people in whatever way is best at their age and stage of development.

The Maths Tales Bags aim to:

  • Increase maths understanding for early level learners.
  • Boost staff confidence in teaching maths.
  • Make maths fun and interactive.

In addition to a story book and fun resources to complement the story, there are suggested activities and questions to support early years staff to explore early maths concepts, linked to the Early Level of Curriculum for Excellence.

The Maths Tales Bags can be borrowed for a week at a time and there are three titles available:

  • Cave Baby by Julia Donaldson and Emily Gravett
  • The Perfect Fit by Naomi Jones and James Jones
  • Puffin Peter by Petr Horacek

Dawne Bloodworth, UHI Head of STEM Development, said:

"The Maths Tales Bags are a wonderful way to engage young learners in early numeracy. By integrating activities with these popular children's books, we're making maths fun, accessible and interactive. They offer an opportunity for hands-on exploration, helping to build confidence and early maths skills in an enjoyable way." 

Throughout Maths Week Scotland, participants can engage through events, challenges and creative projects, with resources available for all ages. Schools can also ‘pin’ their involvement on the map, showcasing their activities. The event aims to make math fun and accessible across Scotland.

To book a Maths Tales Bag for your early years setting, please email: stem@uhi.ac.uk

Find out more about Maths Week Scotland: mathsweek.scot