Thousands of the youngest school children in Flintshire are finding maths fun – thanks to a panda called Boo Boo and her friends.
More than 70 copies of the story- and play-based maths programme Boo Zoo have been snapped up by schools in the county, where children up to age seven are getting to grips with the subject through stories told by talking, playing and exploring.
Shotton Infants School has three Boo Zoo sets. Head Teacher Lisa Stocker said:
“Getting children interested in maths has always been a challenge to teachers, which is why BooZoo is such a delight. It really brings maths to life in a way which the children can relate to and enjoy, particularly Early Years children and our Resource Class children.
“The characters and stories are great fun, and it is an ideal way to introduce the fundamentals of maths in a way which teachers and pupils appreciate.”
Based in a zoo and adjoining safari park, Boo Zoo features six cute and cuddly characters, such as Hilda the hippo and zoo-keeper Kevin, who take children into the world of mathematics through 25 different stories.
Schools in other parts of North Wales have also embraced this new and appealing approach to maths, which includes Welsh language versions of the stories, entitled “Sw Bw”.
“The response to Boo Zoo in Flintshire has been tremendous,” said Boo Zoo creator and writer Neil Griffiths. “The county is setting the trend by recognising the benefits from the outset – it really is the Boo Zoo capital of the UK!
“Teachers here have been quick to recognise Boo Zoo’s simplicity and versatility, and are using the storylines as different starting points to explore and investigate maths.”
Designed for use alongside any current scheme, Boo Zoo can either introduce, reinforce or consolidate mathematical concepts and encourage children throughout to explore the subject with purpose and for pleasure.
Information about BooZoo, including free downloadable samples, can be found at www.boozoo.net
