"I want to say a massive thank you as it was brilliant this morning, the students (and staff) really enjoyed it and it was really good to raise the profile of maths!"
Cath Jespers, Boston Spa School
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300 year 5's from feeder schools arriving and warming up with some
puzzles on the screen at Fullbrook College, February 2010. |
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Suggested Visit Plans
Almost all of the visits I do are one of the following combinations, but I'm very glad to consider any other plan you might have.
- Single Murderous Maths session (up to 75 minutes, usually in the afternoon). This could be preceeded or followed by an informal library meeting, a smaller author talk, a separate G&T maths group or even by a teacher briefing where I show you a few tricks (including how to make a few fun maths props), share ideas or take you on a tour of the Murderous Maths site.
- Two Murderous Maths sessions (up to 75 minutes each), usually either side of lunch to different kids. Quite often one of these sessions will be to kids from feeder schools. Over lunch I'm happy to meet kids in the library for an informal author talk or book signing.
- Murderous Maths Session and Space Session (about 75 + 60 mins), usually either side of lunch. These can be done to the same kids.
- Two Murderous Maths Sessions and Space Session (up to 75 mins each + 60 mins). This requires an earlier start to the day, so if you're a long way from York it may not be practical.
- Three Murderous Maths Sessions (60 mins each). This is exceptional, and I will only undertake it if you are arranging a huge event and have no way of fitting the kids into two sessions. This requires an earlier start to the day, so if you're a long way from York it may not be practical.
If I'm around over lunch I only need a quick sandwich, and I'm happy to use the time meeting kids informally in your library, or even doing a planned author session or book signing. Otherwise some teachers like to take the opportunity to show off their local pub!
Time permitting, I'm also happy to help a class make flexagons or predictor cards using printouts of the downloaded templates found at Murderous Maths Teacher Resources
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The Perfect Event...
Here is my ideal way to present a maths session!
- It usually takes 10 minutes to seat and settle 250 kids. Therefore as they come in I like to play some lively music and if powerpoint is available I show some puzzles and illusions on the screen.
- A brief introduction by a member of staff to settle them down helps. ("This is Kjartan Poskitt who writes the Murderous Maths books" is about all you need!)
- I usually spend 5 minutes explaining how a failed rock star became a bald old author, and then demonstrate why the ancient Greek mathematicians were murderous. This works to bring onboard the kids who hate maths.
- Tricks, volunteers, weird facts, audience challenges... etc!
- 60 minutes is usually too short, so if the timetable is flexible, I'll run on a bit longer to a natural finish.
- Kids leave with a bit more jolly music ...and sometimes loads of books are sold and I spend an hour or more signing!
And all being well, I end up getting emails like these:
Letter from Caitlin of Greenock.
... we were expecting an old man
who would go on about times tables
and boring maths...
...after five minutes there was water in my eyes
from laughing so much...
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E-mail to "Pongo McWhiffy" of the Murderous Maths books
Hello Pongo,
I think you are cool and I love the pearson who wrote the books that you where
in because he came to Brough primary school today and he made me cry with laughter.
Love Annabelle xxxx
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BOOKING ENQUIRIES: Secondary or Middle Schools
This page follows on from my author appearances page.
Thank you for showing an interest in what I do!
I have been visiting schools since 1998 and I estimate I have spoken to over 100,000 kids. Although I've had to cut back on school visits in recent years, I still hope to do a few more, but to ensure we all have the best possible event, please bear the following points in mind.
- I can only do one or two big maths sessions in a day, but I don't put any limit on audience numbers providing they can all see and hear me.
Many schools invite feeder schools or other schools in to fill out the hall. Some schools even book a local theatre which makes a memorable event for the kids, it gives maths the maximum impact and it ensures that we all have the best time!
- My sessions work best with school years 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Unless your older year groups are exceptional, I will only talk to years 9 and above if they are selected interested maths groups. In many schools selected older kids are invited to sit in on the sessions for younger year groups, to which they are very welcome.
Please do NOT put me in front of disinterested and non-motivated teenagers in the hope that I will make them start smiling in maths lessons.
PLANNING A DAY
Before I agree to an engagement, I need a rough idea of how you hope to timetable the day, in particular what time you need me to arrive. Please bear in mind three things:
- Unless I'm doing a multi-day trip and staying overnight, I will be travelling from York on the day, probably by rail which means allowing for delays. It helps me if you have looked at National Rail Times to see what's practical and the different fares in the day.
- If I'm doing more than one session I do not need overlong breaks between sessions.
- I don't like spending long periods cluttering up the staffroom - especially if I've had to set off from home very early to reach you - so please plan my time with you efficiently!
FEES... depend on where you
are and what you want. Please use the link in the next paragraph to contact me, telling me where you are and giving me an idea of what you'd like me to do.
CONTACTING ME
Thank you for taking the trouble to read all this. Please also be aware of the problems regarding CRB forms and visiting authors , and my policies regarding Noise and Disruptive Behaviour which are listed below, but now if you'd like to make an enquiry please use this address:
Boring but necessary...
NOISE My maths sessions tend to be quite noisy, so to minimise disruption
you are FAR better to bring as many suitable classes together for 60 mins,
rather than have me do two smaller sessions. It's also more fun and makes a much
bigger impression on the kids!
REQUIREMENTS These are all detailed on my author appearances page but generally I need:
- Projector and screen for powerpoint.
- Flip chart with paper (audiences up to 300 or more depending on venue and layout)
- Visualiser to write with (only if a flip chart is completely impossible)
- A working p.a. system
- A bottle of still water.
- STAFF: an adequate number of responsible staff MUST be present at all times.
This is for insurance purposes and if necessary, to deal with any excessive disruption. (see next section)
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR Please forgive me if this section seems to state the obvious - but very occasionally I visit a school that makes this necessary...
I enjoy and encourage a lively atmosphere in my sessions. I do not insist on chapel silence by any means, and I also appreciate that some kids will never want to hear what I say. A little discrete whispering is acceptable and if I get the odd heckle that's fine, and they usually regret it. Sometimes a kid crosses the line between high spirits and disruption, and when this happens I will move them to a seat away from their mates. No problem.
However if I'm faced with individuals or groups who are repeatedly disruptive, it makes it impossible for anyone else to pay attention to what I'm doing. I do not have the authority or inclination to deal with this. If you know that you have people who are likely to be repeatedly disruptive, either they must be monitored very closely, or better still, excluded from the start. I have visited schools where it seemed acceptable for kids to speak loudly to each other, throw things around the hall or get up and walk around. Quite simply, those schools wasted my time and their money. If this sort of behaviour has become normal in your school then please accept my sympathies, but do NOT book me.
CRB and Enhanced disclosure forms... are all useless. Please read this!
CRB and visiting authors
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CONTACTING ME
Thank you for taking the trouble to read all this. If you'd like to make an enquiry please use this address:
Full details of my sessions and everything else are at my author appearances page