A local teacher has spoken of her excitement as her new educational invention begins to take off.
'Flipp Flopps' has been devised by Winchester resident Karen Sprunt, and is a simple tool which allows children to learn their times tables anywhere, at any time.
Karen said: "Essentially, it is a small, brightly coloured booklet with times table questions in a random order, which is easy for children to use, and easy for them to mark."
"It really helps children to work out for themselves what they didn't know, or were slower to recall and they can then begin to think of a better way to remember their tables."
Ms Sprunt, who has been a teacher for 23 years, has enlisted the help of her MP, Steve Brine, who she met during his recent supermarket surgery and was keen to try out the idea with his young daughter.
Steve Brine said: "This is one of those ideas which you can't believe hasn't been thought of before now. Proof of the pudding for me was taking them home and watching my six-year use Flipp Flopps with enthusiasm. It's yet another fantastic Winchester creation."
Flipp Flopps have been trialled in schools and positive feedback has been received from children and teachers. 81% of the children taking part had better marks in tables tests. One child said the best thing about using Flipp Flopps was "It helps you learn the times tables you find tricky and it's a fun way to learn them." Many other children enjoyed "the bit when you flip it over and the answers are on the back."
Eight year old Ryan Boulton, of Quarry Road, Winchester, who attends Kings Worthy Primary School said: "I used to hate maths because it was too difficult, then Karen bought the Flipp Flopps for tables and it just made me learn them."
Flipp Flopps sold well at summer fairs, and are currently available online and locally in The Toy Cupboard, Broughton Crafts, Leaf and Bean and The Bay Leaves Larder. Alison Dries of The Toy Cupboard said: "We are delighted to be supporting this local start-up company. Flipp Flopps are a great idea and we have had excellent feedback from parents and teachers."
Julia Follon's seven year old daughter Cara is in Year 3 at Western Primary School. She said: "Cara likes Flipp Flopps because they seem like a game to her, not a test."
Karen continued: "Flipp Flopps would make excellent addition to a teacher's toolkit, a present, party pack filler, stocking filler, charity shoe box item, fundraising item for a PTA and end of term prizes. They can be used inside or outside of the classroom, in the car, at home or even sat on the sofa."
"We are really excited at how Flipp Flopps has taken off, and looking forward to helping so many more children with their times tables in the future. What's more, they are the perfect size for a Christmas stocking!"
Pictured; Steve Brine with Karen Sprunt, Ryan Boulton and Cara Follon
More information ...
Twitter @flipp_flopps
You can LISTEN to Karen interviewed on BBC Radio Solent here
