New IB blog highlights our active, collaborative approach to maths in the PYP (4 Dec 2025)

The article explores an intentional shift away from traditional “I show, you do” worksheet routines and towards maths learning that prioritises curiosity, talk, and deep thinking. In practice, students work in random groups of three (using tools such as Wheel of Names) with rotating roles—including a scribe who records thinking and strategic thinkers who discuss and test ideas. Lessons centre on students standing, sharing and problem-solving together, using short, verbal thinking tasks that spark discussion.

This approach strongly supports the PYP’s inquiry-based learning and learner agency, with brief teacher input followed by students taking the lead. The impact has been encouraging: increased engagement, growing confidence, and more willingness to take risks and learn from mistakes. The blog also shares examples of student thinking in action, as learners begin applying strategies independently and making connections that lead to new concepts.

Assessment and reflection remain intentionally responsive, based on observation and questioning, alongside student notes to their “future forgetful self” to capture key strategies and learning.

Interest is growing across Primary, with colleagues also exploring hands-on and transdisciplinary opportunities—including in the Early Years. The post concludes with practical takeaways for getting started, and highlights research by Jo Boaler and Peter Liljedahl that has informed our work.

Read the blog on the IB website: “Making maths active and collaborative: a new approach in the PYP”.