2015-16 has been another fantastic year for the TES Maths Resource of the Week (ROTW). Each week it is an absolute pleasure to search through the amazing resources that have been uploaded to TES Maths to find that special one to feature in my weekly series.

I am often asked on Twitter about my criteria for selecting the ROTW. I wish I had an impressively sophisticated algorithm to share with you, but this truth, I’m afraid, is much simpler. I choose resources that I would use in my classroom. And very often, a resource only makes it to ROTW status if it has successfully survived a run through with my Year 7s, Year 9s and Year 11s.

In my videos and write-ups, I also try to suggest modifications and extensions for each resource. This is something I feel very strongly about. It is very rare that a resource written by someone else for their class will work perfectly for you and your class. Resources need to be modified and adapted to fit your teaching style, your students, the time of the day, and the thousands of other things that can determine the success of a lesson.

This year we have seen resources for making tests, starting lessons, spicing up fractions, bearings, and a whole host of potential painful topics. We have investigated Pythagoras, gone out of this world, and solved the mystery of a missing dog. We have supported exam revision, helped develop key numeracy skills, worked out if we are beautiful or not, and much, much more.

Thanks so, so much to all the teachers out there who share their resources and ideas. You are making a huge, positive difference to the teaching and learning of mathematics all over the world.

Roll on ROTW 2016-17!
Craig Barton

Link to the Maths Community Area