Why You Shouldn't Teach
"Carrying the One" (Yet)
"Mum, that's wrong! My teacher says we don't do it like that!" If you've heard this during homework time, you're not alone. We explain White Rose Maths, the "Mastery" approach used in Dubai schools.
The Core Concept: "Mastery"
In the old days, speed was everything. In White Rose, understanding is everything. They don't want the child to just get the answer; they want them to prove why the answer is correct using objects and pictures, not just memorized algorithms.
Old School vs. White Rose: What Changed?
Your "help" might actually be confusing your child because the vocabulary in Dubai schools has changed completely. Here is your translation guide:
| Topic | How We Learned It (Old School) | How They Learn It (White Rose) |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | Column Method. "Carry the one." | Partitioning. Break 24 into 20 + 4. Add the tens, then add the ones. |
| Subtraction | Borrowing. "Cross out the 5, make it a 4." | Exchanging. Physically swap one "10 block" for ten "1 blocks" using Dienes blocks. |
| Fractions | Rules. "Multiply the top and bottom." | Bar Models. Draw a rectangular bar and split it into pieces to see the fraction. |
Why "Carrying the One" is Banned (Initially)
When you say "carry the one," you are using a shortcut (an algorithm). But a 7-year-old doesn't intuitively understand that the little "1" you wrote is actually a "10."
If they use your shortcut without understanding the Place Value behind it, they will struggle massively when they hit decimals in Year 5. White Rose delays the shortcut until the child fully grasps the concept.
How to Help Without Confusing Them
1. Ask "Show Me"
Don't grab the pen. Ask them to draw the problem using circles, dots, or bars. If they can't visualize it, they don't understand it yet.
2. Use Objects (CPA)
Use pasta shells, lego bricks, or buttons. If they can't solve "5 + 7" in their head, let them count it physically. This builds the "Concrete" phase.
Is "New Math" causing tears?
Don't let homework ruin your evening. Our specialists are trained specifically in White Rose Maths and can bridge the gap between how you learned and how they learn.
Find a White Rose SpecialistThis article refers to the White Rose Maths framework, widely adopted by British Curriculum schools in Dubai. Teaching methods may vary slightly by school (e.g., Maths Mastery). Please check with your class teacher for specific calculation policies. GetYourTutors staff are trained to adapt to your child's specific school methodology to ensure consistency between home and classroom learning.