KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) are designed to support the development of the mental skills that underpin much of the maths work in schools. They are particularly useful when calculating, be it adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.
An important part of maths development has always been rote learning of certain maths facts. For many years this has included practising times tables and addition facts, such as number bonds and doubles.
It is important that they know these facts thoroughly and can recall them instantly. Whilst children have a wide range of abilities in mathematics, the KIRFs are designed to be a set of facts that need to be learnt thoroughly as they build on each other year on year. Again, we stress that the children must aim to know their KIRFs inside out, back to front and with instant recall.
Here are some websites that can help:
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/daily10
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
We know that, by internalising these key facts which have been carefully structured to build upon each other term by term, year by year, children will leave Blakehill Primary School with a much stronger foundation of mathematical understanding to build upon.
Should you have any questions about the KIRFs programme, please do not hesitate to contact the school.