Why Doodling Belongs in Maths Lessons - AfterMaths

Why Doodling Belongs in Maths Lessons - AfterMaths

From The Primary Maths Podcast by Jon Cripwell

May 15, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 74

About this episode

Jon and Becky discuss the importance of doodling in maths lessons while reflecting on recent events in education.

In this Aftermaths episode of The Primary Maths Podcast, Jon and Becky reflect on a very maths-filled week, from Key Stage 2 SATs to International Women in Mathematics Day, with a little bit of football stadium chat thrown in for good measure. Jon and Becky begin by talking about SATs week and the difficult balance teachers face in preparing children well without making the tests feel bigger than they are. They consider the early reactions to this year’s papers, the pressure pupils can feel, and why the final memories of primary maths really matter. They also look ahead to the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check. Jon discusses why fluency with multiplication facts matters, but also why recall alone is not the whole story. Knowing a fact is useful, but pupils also need to understand how to use it. Jon then shares reflections from an early maths conference at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, including sessions on maths at home, oracy, bilingual learners and mathematical language. There is plenty to think about here for teachers and maths leads, especially around the role of families in noticing and talking about numbers in the world around them. Becky’s Maths of Life segment…

People in this episode

Host: Jon Cripwell

Guest: Becky

Topics covered

  • doodling in maths
  • SATs preparation
  • multiplication fluency
  • mathematical language
  • International Women in Mathematics Day
  • role of families in maths

Keywords

  • doodling
  • SATs
  • multiplication tables
  • mathematical thinking
  • Maryam Mirzakhani

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: King Power Stadium

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