KIRFs
KIRFs stands for
Key
Instant
Recall
Facts
These are number facts such as number bonds and times-tables facts which need constant practice and rehearsal – at home as well as school - in order for children to be able to recall them quickly, confidently and accurately. Regular practice of mental maths helps children to learn these number facts which are the essential building blocks of calculating. When children move onto written calculations it is vital that addition and subtraction of small numbers is automatic and that times tables facts are embedded.
Mental maths practice can be done anywhere – in the car, walking to school, etc. Regular practice - little and often – helps children to retain these facts and keep their skills sharp. In supporting your child with learning their KIRFs, please remember:
- It is important that children learn both addition and related subtraction facts. Knowing number bonds to 5 means that children know all the ways of adding numbers to make 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (eg 3 + 1 = 4, 5 + 0 = 5) and can also carry out subtraction calculations using these numbers as well as 0 (eg 4 – 1 = 3, 5 – 0 = 5). Children need to be able to calculate 4 – 3 = 1 but also need to be able to put in the missing number in ? – 3 = 1 or 4 - ? = 1.
- Likewise, when learning times tables facts children also need to be able to recall division facts so that they can calculate 6 x 8 = 48 but also know that 48 ÷ 8 = 6 and 48 ÷ 6 = 8.
- Children who are agile with their tables can use this knowledge to work out bigger calculations for example 17 x 8 can be calculated mentally as 10 x 8 plus 7 x 8 which is 80 + 56 = 136.
Each half-term your child will focus on a different KIRF. Details of these and ideas of how you can help your child with these can be found in the links below.
Please click to open
KIRF Postcards
File size: 774KB (PDF File)
KIRF Postcards
File size: 2MB (PowerPoint File)
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In addition to the practical ideas suggested on the KIRFs sheets, there is a website designed specifically to help your child develop these key facts. Go to the KIRFs section of www.conkermaths.org
Thank you for supporting your child in developing their mental maths skills. If you have any questions regarding KIRFs, please contact your child’s class teacher.