* Fill film cases with varying numbers of tiny buttons. Children have to work out how many are inside each case. This quietens them as they listen to the cases as they shake them, and stimulates a lot of mathematical discussion about number and weight.

Mara Chrystie, headteacher, Hermitage Primary School, Wapping, London E1 * Whenever a colleague uses your room, try to get some feedback on what doesn’t work in terms of resource organisation. The chances are that if they couldn’t find the scissors, glue or maths book, the children don’t know either.

Jon O’Connor and colleagues at Parkside First School, Borehamwood, Herts Please send tips for Pass It On to Maureen McTaggart, The TES, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1 9XY. Fax: 0171-782 3200. A free copy of Ted Wragg’s Guide to Education for each successful tipster.