SMILE
SMILE (Secondary Mathematics Individualised Learning Experiment) was initially developed as a series of practical activities for secondary school students by practising teachers in the 1970s. It became a complete individualised scheme based around a network of activity cards and assessments.
The cards were organised so that each student followed their own path through the work which was recorded on a network.
Additional material was subsequently produced in the form of photocopiable books.
Individual books covering:
• Bridging Units
• Handling Data
• Reasoning
• Whole Class Projects
• Lesson Starters.
The Making Sense series covering:
• Algebra
• Fractions
• Decimals and Percentages
• Ratio
• Using Spreadsheets to Enhance Mathematical Thinking.
The additional materials are suitable for students from Key Stage 2 to 4. It is intended to be flexible and used to enhance any mathematical lesson, all activities have teachers' notes and suggestions for necessary equipment.
All the activities presented in this collection stimulate learning and good mathematical dialogue in the classroom.
HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
SMILE Wealth of Worksheets
This collection of mathematics worksheets from SMILE is an interactive resource with 188 worksheets which can be viewed in groups sorted by topic and National Curriculum level or by SMILE number. Many of these worksheets are enhanced versions of the original SMILE cards. The mathematics is generally suitable for key stages 3 and…
Makes Sense Series
This set of six mathematics books from SMILE caters for a wide range of ability and ages from National Curriculum level 2 to level 7. The activities cover aspects of algebra, multiplication, ratio and using spreadsheets. All include teachers' notes and photocopiable activity sheets. The activities are organised as teachers'…
SMILE Cards
The mathematics on SMILE cards is presented in the form of practical activities, games and investigations. They encourage an independent approach and are suitable for students from Key Stage 2 to 4. The cards originally formed a complete individualised mathematics scheme. The cards were organised so that each student followed…
SMILE Mathematics
These mathematics books from SMILE are intended to be not only a source of ideas but to be a flexible resource that can be adapted to different circumstances and ability groups. They cover Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. Each of these books is a standalone resource full of ideas and suggestions, many of which have been collected or trialled…
Comments
Hi, all,
An essential requirement for easy access and use of the SMILE activities is to be able to go direct to an individual task from either entering its number or clicking on its icon. The need to scroll through a batch to try to reach a particular activity means that, at present, the access is far too cumbersome and time-consuming for teachers to want to spend time looking/locating an individual activity.
It would be most convenient if an individual number could be entered into a "SEARCH" box and retreived immediately. It would also be good if a wider group of topic flows could be shown on screen, with the facility to reach a particular topic flow by clicking on it; then the facility to click on any activity within that flow. It is a disadvantage for the flows to be restricted to levels but I concede that this might be one way of locating a task quickly.
Best wishes,
Nigel
It is imperative that they (also) remain organised/searchable by card number!
If there is any time available to put into improving the SMILE materials, I'd agree with Sandy bruce that re-photocopying some of the scruffier looking cards would be very helpful. It also seems that some cards in the 1400 range appear with large crosses on them!
Best wishes,
Frank
Glad to hear these materials have found their first home!
The resources have been stored in ring binders and are scanned straight from the originals. If we come across another available complete set of SMILE we'll work from the highest quality originals - any suggestions for sourcing these would be much appreciated.
The tests and answers haven't been digitised yet, but this may be possible in the future. If you'd like to use a particular group of tests do let us know as this helps prioritise digitisation.
For any of this please email resources@nationalstemcentre.org.uk.
It would be great to hear about your experience of incorporating SMILE into your lessons.
Many thanks
Jenifer
I do not wish to sound ungrateful but the quality of the scanning leaves much to be desired.
Did we really have to have punch holes on the usually excellently presented materials?
It looks like the cards have been scanned from photocopies rather that the originals.
Are the answer books and test books going online too?
Sandy Bruce
Elthorne Park High School