Plus 1 The Introductory Coaching System for Maths Success

The Introductory Coaching System for Maths Success by David Joseph Sharp

What is the Plus 1 book?

Plus 1 is the introductory book of the series allowing anyone to make progress with their maths.  The book is essentially a coaching manual which allows anyone to deliver individual support.  The book teaches all the building blocks of numbers, and begins to develop skills with mental calculations.

Effectively no; the book is designed to deal with real life situations.  There are lots of different ways we've heard about that our books are used.  Here are a few:

Is there a best way to use the book?

• Repetition through each question is being answered correctly on three different occasions
• Questions to be answered on different days
• Achievements through tangible success
• Students encouraged to do calculations mentally

Full instructions and example pages are included in each book, but essentially Plus 1 requires that each question is answered correctly on three consecutive occasions on different days. When a question is answered correctly a tick should be placed on the line, a question answered incorrectly is marked with a dot.  On each page of the book there is space for working out solutions, but students should be encouraged to carry out the calculations in this book without using pen and paper.  It is not intended that certain pages should be used in isolation.  Plus 1 has been found to work best when it is used 4 or 5 times a week, with each session lasting for about 10 to 15 minutes.

How is the book used?

• Counting backwards and forwards
• Adding and subtracting up to 10
• Introduction to doubling and halving

The book covers basic number work, such as counting forwards and backwards with numbers up to 10, adding and subtracting numbers up to 10, and introducing doubling and halving. It is for anyone who benefits from repeated practice and explanation as the book, Plus 1, stems from the need of some people to have more reinforcement and practice than is often available.    

What topics does the book cover?

• Age range –  5 year olds to basic adult numeracy
• Special needs –  Dyslexia, Dyscalculia

Plus 1 is ideal for anyone who benefits from repeated maths practice.  It's designed to appeal to all age ranges and it suitable from 6 years old, right up to adult basic skills.   The clear language and repetition benefits students with dyslexia and those with English as an Additional language.  Students with dyscalculia benefit from the highly structured approach with clear explanations. 

Who is it suitable for?

• Parents work through the books with their child at home
• Schools have used the books as part of buddy-schemes or peer-coaching projects
• The books are used at school and delivered by teaching assistants or volunteers. 
• Prep schools use our books to boost learning for all their pupils.
  ... And, of course, combinations of the above.