KIRFS (Key Instant Recall Facts)

To help develop children’s fluency in mathematics, we ask them to learn Key Instant Recall Facts each half term.

We believe these key instant recall facts are the most important bits of information within maths, where the ability to instantly remember the facts will help children with their future learning.  The list of these (see below) align with our curriculum as it is taught in the school.  Teachers will cover this information in the class but we know that any extra time you can give to help children recall these facts at home will greatly aid their maths development.  Ideally if you can spare 2-3 short sessions per week, we believe it will be of great benefit.

Mr Steward, our maths lead, has produced this short video giving more information about the KIRFS.

In addition we have also produced downloadable booklets with key advice and information if you are able to help rehearse these facts with your child.  LIttle and often will make a big difference over time.  These booklets can also be found at the back of children's school diaries.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOOKLETS:

• The booklets are not essential and are only there to give you as much support as possible.
• Each individual sheet is dedicated to a KIRF skill and the title informs when this is taught in the school year.
• The top section of each sheet indicates the facts to be known, examples of questions for you to ask and the language that teachers use when asking questions.
• The second section of each sheet gives suggested questions for each day to help cover important information.
• The third section gives key tips to help make practice of these facts more manageable and enjoyable.
• At the very bottom of the sheet is a check list for you to keep track of your child’s progress.
• Facts memorised indicates that a child knows all the stated facts in any order
• Instant recall means a child can recall facts in any order with minimal thought
• The check after 1 mth and 2 mth indicates that after a period of not checking, your child has successfully remembered the facts. This element is a very important part of the learning process.

FINAL KEY TIPS TO HELP REHEARSE KIRFS:

• Practise little and often (walking to school/on a car journey)
• Don’t practice all facts at once, focus on small amounts.
• Use online platforms and websites such as ‘Hit the Button’, ‘TTRS’, ‘Daily 10’, ‘teaching clock’ etc. to make learning engaging.
• Your child could instead question you from their memory.