Using a Maths Informationary

In this post, I’ll be showing you how we have been using a maths informationary with my older children.

One of the things I have wrestled with the most in our homeschool is teaching maths without relying on a traditional curriculum.

If I’m honest, it can feel a little daunting.

There is a sense of security in opening a workbook and simply following the next page. Stepping away from that structure requires confidence, and I’m not always sure I have it!

However, I also know that my children learn best through living maths and hands on maths, not endless worksheets.

So while I won’t be teaching directly from the national curriculum, I have decided to use it as a loose framework to ensure we cover the key objectives over time.

It gives me direction without dictating how learning must happen.

Why I Chose Geometry

For this stage of our maths journey, I have decided to centre much of our learning around geometry.

Why geometry?

Because shapes are mathematical at their very core. They are:

• visual
• colourful
• versatile
• and relatively easy for children to grasp

Geometry also connects beautifully to many other areas of mathematics.

Our journey will begin with quadrilaterals.

Squares and rectangles are especially useful because they illustrate the principles of multiplication so clearly. When children can see multiplication in shapes and patterns, the concept becomes far more meaningful.

Our Main Goal: Understanding Multiplication

One of my main goals this year is helping the girls achieve instant recall of their multiplication tables.

In truth, they already know them fairly well. Over the past few years we have drilled them quite thoroughly.

However, what they lack is deep understanding.

Instead of simply memorising facts, I want them to:

• discover multiplication patterns
• see relationships between numbers
• understand why the tables work

We will explore each multiplication table slowly, discovering patterns together.

I have been particularly inspired by the wonderful work of Denise Gaskins, whose blog series on teaching times tables contains many fantastic ideas that I plan to adapt for our lessons.

Geometry as the Gateway to Many Maths Concepts

Although multiplication is our focus, geometry opens the door to so much more.

Over the next two terms, the girls will discover many mathematical ideas simply through exploring quadrilaterals, including:

• fractions
• percentages
• graphing
• tessellations
• square numbers
• angles

After quadrilaterals, we will move on to:

• Triangles for the following two terms
• Circles for the final part of the year

In this way, the children will encounter a wide variety of mathematical concepts through exploration rather than instruction.

Facilitating Rather Than Teaching

One of the most important realisations I’ve had is this:

Facilitation is my strength, not direct teaching.

In subjects like history, literature, and science I naturally facilitate learning—setting up opportunities for discovery and discussion.

Yet with maths I sometimes feel unsure of myself.

But it makes far more sense to work with my strengths than against them.

Many of the books I have read on mathematics education confirm something powerful:

A child who discovers mathematical ideas independently often becomes a stronger mathematician than a child who simply follows a curriculum.

So I will be reminding myself of that often and hoping our plans bear fruit!

What Our Maths Week Will Look Like

In addition to our geometry investigations, the children will also:

• play mathematical games
• complete five-a-day questions to reinforce concepts
• use the Life of Fred series as an occasional filler when needed

These activities help keep maths varied, engaging, and consistent.

Weekly Maths Challenges

Another idea I’m introducing is a weekly mathematical puzzle or proof for the three older children.

They can work on it in their own time during the week.

I’m hoping this will encourage:

• independent thinking
• perseverance
• discussion

I already anticipate some lively dinner table conversations as they puzzle through the problems together.

Using a Maths Informationary Instead of a Maths Journal

One decision I needed to make recently was whether the girls should keep maths journals.

The idea didn’t quite appeal to me. I didn’t want folders full of notes that the children would never look at again.

Instead, I decided to create something different:

Using a maths informationary.

Years ago I created an informationary for writing, and it worked wonderfully.

So why not apply the same idea to maths?

What Is a Maths Informationary?

A maths informationary is essentially a homemade reference file containing key mathematical information that children can access at a glance.

Instead of writing long notes, the children create:

• mini books
• flaps
• fold-outs
• quick reference diagrams

The goal is clarity and usefulness, not quantity of writing.

I suspect the children will use this far more often than a traditional notebook.

Even better—it takes just a few minutes to update each week.

Using a Maths Informationary: How I Made It

The process was wonderfully simple.

I used two folders and:

1. Opened them flat
2. Trimmed away any excess edges
3. Stuck one flap to the other

This created a large fold-out surface with plenty of space for attaching mini books and foldable reference tools.

More folders can easily be added later as the information grows.

What We Have Added So Far

Although the informationary still looks fairly empty, it already contains a few helpful reference tools.

Multiplication Tables

At the front I added a full multiplication table.

This is mainly for the girls since we will be practising and drilling these regularly this year.

The Decimal System

I created a small flap book explaining the decimal system.

This gives the children a quick reminder of place value whenever they need it.

Quadrilaterals

I also made a flap book outlining the different quadrilaterals.

Next week the girls will begin investigating these shapes and will fill in their own flap books with everything they discover.

T11 has already studied these shapes, so the example photographed is his.

Using a Maths Informationary: A Living Resource That Will Grow

At the moment the maths informationary looks rather empty.

But I have no doubt it will soon fill with:

• shapes
• diagrams
• discoveries
• patterns
• and mathematical insights

Because the children will be adding their own discoveries, it will become a record of genuine understanding rather than copied notes.

Which is exactly what living maths is all about.

Reflection Questions for Homeschool Parents

1. Do you feel pressure to follow a maths curriculum step by step?
2. How might using a framework instead of a rigid programme change your approach?
3. What strengths do you bring to teaching maths: facilitating, explaining, questioning, or exploring?
4. Could a maths informationary work better for your child than a traditional notebook?
5. How often do your children get the chance to discover maths ideas themselves?

Hands-On Maths Activities to Try

Here are a few hands on maths ideas to complement this approach.

1. Quadrilateral Shape Hunt

Have children search the house or neighbourhood for quadrilaterals such as:

• windows
• books
• tables
• tiles

Ask them to classify each shape.

2. Build Multiplication with Squares

Use graph paper or tiles to create arrays.

Example:

• 3 × 4 rectangle
• 5 × 6 rectangle

This helps children see multiplication.

3. Create Flap Books

Let children create mini flap books for:

• quadrilaterals
• angles
• fractions
• number patterns

Add them to the maths informationary.

4. Tessellation Art

Use coloured paper shapes to create repeating tessellation patterns.

Discuss why some shapes tessellate and others do not.

5. Family Maths Puzzle Night

Choose one challenging puzzle each week and work through it together.

Encourage discussion rather than rushing to the answer.

Final Thoughts about Using a Maths Informationary

Using a maths informationary is already proving to be a wonderful addition to our homeschool.

It combines:

• living maths
• hands on maths
• creative exploration
• and practical reference tools

Most importantly, it allows the children to build their own mathematical understanding rather than simply recording someone else’s explanations.

And I have a feeling that by the end of the year, that once-empty folder will be full of mathematical discoveries.

For all of my living hands-on maths posts, click here