numeracy
which math?
tools
the Best School
mathinitaly
not one less
I think school is like a train and that for some children it is the only train.
It is therefore up to each teacher to make sure that no one misses this train.
But it is not a question of getting everyone on by lowering the level of the educational offer: it would be like making everyone travel on a troop train.
Every child should travel first class, from the first to the last. Indeed, from the last—the true measure of our work—to the first, with good opportunities for everyone: not one less.
numeracy
It's a fact: levels of literacy and numeracy are closely linked to people’s quality of life.
This is our starting point: providing the Best School also means creating the best opportunities to develop numeracy—the ability to interpret the world mathematically and approach the problems of everyday life effectively.
But it is certainly not easy to build adequate linguistic and mathematical competence in boys and girls. We know it well.
In particular mathematics is often seen as difficult, cold, challenging and boring; it can cause dislike and even fear, as well as prejudice, and many people say: “I have never been good at mathematics ...”
But is that really true? I do not think so, and I believe every child can and should be brought to mathematics.
We can do this through enjoyable, interesting and engaging experiences. Mathematics can be effective and a pleasure to do, for children and teachers alike.
which math?
It is a fundamental question: which math?
What mathematics do we want to offer? Mathematics that children actively take part in, or simply endure? What is our approach like? Is it truly effective? How repetitive is “our” mathematics, and how much does it nurture the pleasure of doing and discovering?
And finally: can we bring everyone to math?
Here you will find tools that make mathematics a pleasure to do, for adults and children alike. You will find ideas and tools for activities that stimulate and develop productive thinking skills rather than simply reproducing what has been taught.
These resources can strengthen teaching and learning and help you reach every child, not one less, through mathematics that is surprisingly enjoyable. Truly
doing
Those who work with children know that teaching and learning also take effort.
I believe this effort should be supported by effective tools that help us build an extraordinary learning environment where teaching and learning can become fun.
Here you will find many ideas for mathematics that is experienced: touched, walked, jumped, explored, tested, discovered, coloured and thought through ...
You will find many building blocks that you can combine creatively to design effective learning activities, turning effort into the pleasure of doing and the ordinary into the extraordinary.
tools
ideas create objects
but objects also create ideas
app
the best software to create, integrate, reinforce your paths
path
high cognitive density paths
video
videos to enrich your learning activities
The Best School is every educator’s dream and every child’s right, everywhere.
the Best School
It is a school that recognises each child’s potential and creates the conditions for them to develop it fully.
It offers inclusive learning experiences that engage everyone, encourage participation, and make room for thoughtful action, questions, curiosity and discovery. It is a school where children learn in a calm, stimulating environment and enjoy learning. Creating the Best School is the challenge for every teacher who strives to be the best possible teacher for the children in their care.
Easy? Certainly not. But possible—and it can be fun, too.
I continue to work towards this vision with dedication.
For many years I have been developing a project that I chose to call
“Not One Less”, after the wonderful 1999 film by Zhang Yimou.
A long time ago, in my town, an artist drew on the pavement with chalk. Beside him, a sign said:
“I am a street artist travelling at my own expense.
If you think my work deserves a coin,
it will help me continue my journey.”
mathinitaly
For many years I have worked to offer every child the Best Mathematics: not one less. I have developed ideas, learning pathways, strategies, materials and software that I wish to make available to anyone who wants to use them, beyond my own country too.
MathinItaly is a project born from experience in school, creativity, craftsmanship and passion. It is a way to share simple, accessible tools for building meaningful, inclusive and enjoyable mathematical experiences.
