With the KS2 Maths SATs taking place in May, many families start thinking about how best to support children at home. Small changes to how maths is practised can make a real difference to confidence and understanding.
Here are five simple, practical ways to help.
1. Listen to the Problem
When a child gets a maths question wrong, it’s tempting to focus on the answer. However, it’s often more helpful to understand how they approached the problem in the first place.
If you’re working through KS2 maths worksheets or online questions, ask your child to explain their thinking. This can highlight exactly where they’re getting stuck — whether it’s misunderstanding the question, choosing the wrong method, or making a calculation error. Once you know the sticking point, it’s much easier to help.
Mistakes are a normal part of learning maths. Some families find it useful to talk about mistakes as a first attempt in learning (FAIL), helping children feel more comfortable having another go.
2. Spend Time on Core Number Skills
A secure grasp of number facts supports all areas of maths.
In arithmetic papers, many pupils lose time because calculations take longer than expected. Regular practice with times tables, number bonds and mental maths can help children work more quickly and accurately.
This doesn’t need to be formal. Short activities such as flash cards, quick quizzes, or number games can be effective. A Countdown-style numbers game — using a set of numbers to reach a target, is another way to practise mental calculation.
3. Make Maths Easier to Visualise
KS2 Maths SATs questions often involve more than one step and include extra information. This can make it harder for children to decide what to do first.
Rewording a problem using familiar objects or situations can help. Drawing simple diagrams, using counters, or acting out a problem can also make it clearer. For some children, seeing the maths makes all the difference.
4. Practise Different Styles of Questions
Children may confidently answer a calculation such as 3 × 7, but may find it trickier when the same idea is presented differently.
In the KS2 SATs tests, maths skills appear in a range of formats, including word problems, missing number questions and multi-step calculations. Giving children the chance to practise one skill in several different styles helps them recognise what the question is really asking.
5. Familiarise yourselves with sample SATS KS2 Maths Tests
Becoming familiar with SATs style questions can help children feel more confident about the test format.
Looking at sample KS2 Maths SATs papers together allows you to see the range of question types and difficulty. SATs Companion includes a bank of Maths and SPaG test papers that reflect the curriculum and question styles children will encounter, with feedback to help identify areas that need more practice.
A steady routine and clear explanations can help children feel more prepared as the KS2 Maths SATs approach in May.
Happy studying!