FAQ

Do all the books work in the same way?

Yes. All four of our books use a structured approach using the 'three ticks' system. Students requiring extra support, particularly dyslexic and dyscalculic students, benefit from this approach as it bonds the facts into their long term memory.

How do you use the books?

There's a full explanation and example pages at the start of each book.  The structured system require that each question is answered correctly on three consecutive occasions. We're very happy to talk through any questions you may have about using the books.

Do the books work?

Yes. Nothing succeeds like success. The books give students a great sense of achievement and the skills and confidence that are gained often transfer to other subjects as well as maths. The positive feedback and the amount of repeat orders we receive show how well the books work. To date, we've sold over 20,000 books worldwide, mainly through word of mouth recommendations.

Who are our books for?

Anyone who benefits from extra support with number will find our books useful.   

What ages are the books suitable for?

Our books are not age related.  We realise that students of all ages need support.  As a guide, Plus 1 is suitable for students aged about six upwards, Power of 2 is suitable for age 8 upwards, Perform with Time is suitable for age 8 upwards and Times Tables is suitable for about age 8 upwards.

How often should the books be used?

The books have shown to work best when used 4 or 5 times a week, with each session lasting for about 10 - 15 minutes.

Here's a certificate you can download to award when a book is completed.

Can students work through these books by themselves?

No. The books are designed for a student and coach to work through together.

Who is 'The Coach'?

The coach can be anyone. A teaching assistant, mentor, teacher, parent or friend. Many schools use a mentoring system, with older students mentoring younger ones.

Are the books linked to the Maths Curriculum?

The books cover the mental maths required by the Maths Curriculum. There are no references to specific levels or year objectives.

What topics do the books cover?

Plus 1 covers counting on and back, counting dots, reading numbers, counting on and back in 10's, addition and subtraction, reading signs, doubling and pairs of numbers that make 10.

Power of 2 covers reading numbers and signs, number bonds to 10, doubling and halving, nearly numbers, multiplying and dividing, fractions and decimals and multiplying and dividing by 10 and 100. It covers all the mental maths skills that are needed for the Maths Curriculum.

Perform with Time covers everything needed to be able to deal with time. It looks at both 12 and 24 hour clocks, reading digital and analogue time, working out how long events last and also includes a section on world time.

Times Tables covers all multiplication and division up to 10 x 10.  It takes an unusual twist on teaching these facts and is great for people who need extra support to learn their tables.  This book will have benefits beyond just multiplication and division and will enable students to boost their skills in other areas.

Why aren't there any answers in the books?

It's good to ask a student "How did you work that out?" Firstly, it can reinforce the method that the student uses. Secondly, it can encourage students to use mathematical vocabulary. With no answers in the book, it allows the student and coach to check the answer is correct.

Why isn't there a contents page?

Our books are highly structured programmes. We have found that the books work best when students work through the whole book, rather than picking sections from it. A list of contents might tempt some coaches to begin coaching part way through the text. We try to ensure that the programme is followed as it is presented.

Do you have plans for any other books ?

All our books have been the result of people telling us about a need they have for a particular resource. We do have plans to produce follow up material and would love to hear what your needs are. Suggestions so far include books which focus on Fractions, Decimals and Percentages and also a book which looks at dealing with money.  Please let us know your thoughts on this.