Why Active Primary Maths Lessons Work
From The Primary Maths Podcast by Jon Cripwell
May 5, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 72
About this episode
The episode discusses the importance and implementation of active learning in primary maths education.
In this episode of The Primary Maths Podcast, Jon is joined by Bryn Llewellyn from Move and Learn, Paula Manser, headteacher at Birkby Infant and Nursery School, and Danielle Laramie, maths lead and assistant headteacher at Birkby. Together, they explore what active learning really means in primary maths and, just as importantly, what it does not mean. This is not about children running around the classroom for the sake of it. It is about purposeful movement that supports attention, participation, memory, oracy and mathematical thinking. Paula and Danielle share how active learning has become part of the everyday culture at Birkby Infant and Nursery School, a large, diverse school with high levels of EAL, SEND and pupil mobility. They explain how carefully chosen games and routines help children engage with mathematical ideas, demonstrate understanding, talk in full sentences and take part without always relying on spoken answers. Bryn explains the thinking behind Move and Learn, including how movement can support retrieval, modelling, connection and creation. He also discusses the importance of simple routines, low-cost resources and building a classroom culture where children…
People in this episode
Host: Jon Cripwell
Guests: Bryn Llewellyn, Paula Manser, Danielle Laramie
Topics covered
- active learning
- primary maths
- education
- engagement
- movement in learning
Keywords
- active learning
- primary maths
- engagement
- movement
- Birkby Infant and Nursery School
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Birkby Infant and Nursery School, Move and Learn
More episodes of The Primary Maths Podcast
- Florence Nightingale: The Lady with the Graph · June 5, 2026 · 23 min
- Why Problem Solving Needs to be Taught - AfterMaths · May 22, 2026 · 34 min
- Building Maths Confidence with National Numeracy · May 19, 2026 · 44 min
- Why Doodling Belongs in Maths Lessons - AfterMaths · May 15, 2026 · 38 min
- Time Zones, Test Week and Teaching with Representations - AfterMaths · May 8, 2026 · 41 min
- Attainment Grouping vs Setting in Primary Maths - AfterMaths Episode · May 1, 2026 · 33 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Primary Maths Podcast podcast page.