Summary
A pair of compasses may seem like a simple tool in a school mathematics set. Yet, this small, spiked, silver instrument is unrivalled for fuelling frustration in the classroom. Whether the arms slip after being set, refuse to turn smoothly, or turn but the pencil fails to leave a clear mark on the page, using compasses are never straightforward.
For students – especially those with motor difficulties – constructing seamlessly smooth circles and arcs, first time, every time, may feel impossible. How can we as teachers, tutors, parents and carers support our students to master this skill?
1. Is it a Compass or a Pair of Compasses?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. A compass is a navigation tool that helps you find your way using a magnetic needle that points magnetic north. A pair of compasses, on the other hand, is a drawing tool used for creating circles and arcs or measuring distances. It consists of two hinged arms – one with a needlepoint to anchor the compasses and the other with a pencil holder.
2. Choose the Correct Compasses
With time, patience and practice, most students will get to grips with school compasses. Others may need something different. Lockable compasses have a mechanism that securely fixes the arms in place at a set radius, preventing accidental slipping and ensuring consistent, accurate circles and arcs first time, every time.
3. Sharpen Your Pencil
A sharp pencil produces sharp lines. Keep a sharpener handy and make sure to sharpen your pencil whenever you need it for the best results.
4. Use a Short Pencil
House of Maths recommends using a short pencil, noting, “Long pencils get stuck against your hand and prevent the compasses moving properly.”
5. Tighten the Compasses
Loose compasses cause careless circles. Regularly tighten your compasses by adjusting the screw or nut that holds the arms together to maintain stability.
6. Ensure a Smooth Work Surface
A smooth, clutter-free surface helps create seamless circles and arcs – yet it is often overlooked. Before your students begin constructing, ensure they are working on a flat, unobstructed space.
7. Rehearse the Roll
To use compasses successfully, students should roll the handle (the small rod above the hinge) between their thumb and forefinger. Jessica Higgs, a specialist tutor and assessor for dyscalculia and mathematical learning difficulties, recommends practicing the rolling motion with a pencil or marble before using the compasses. She also advises her students to lean the compasses in the direction they are moving for smoother circles.
8. X Marks the Spot
Cat Eadle, co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network, suggests placing a tiny cross where the needlepoint goes. That way, if the compasses do move, students realise quickly and put them back in place promptly. Cat also reminds her students, “Don’t touch the arms, ever.” Many students mistakenly apply pressure to them, which changes the distance between them, forcing them to start over.
9. Apply Proper Pressure
Another top tip from Cat is to put proper pressure on the point. Cat says, “Often not enough pressure is an issue, especially for our learners with dyspraxia.”
10. Turn the Page, not the Compasses
Nichola Evans, founder of Accessible Tuition and Assessment, recommends turning the page instead of the compasses. This prevents students from accidentally closing the arms and losing their set radius.
11. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any skill, practice makes perfect. If you work in a school, consider collaborating with the art department to create compass-based artwork. Not only will this help students master this instrument, but it will also produce stunning pictures to brighten your classroom.
12. And Finally, For Something Completely Different
An unconventional tip from Lisa Ivey, dyscalculia assessor and primary school teacher: stand up while using compasses. “Believe it or not, it helps!” Lisa says – though this tip may be tricky in a GCSE exam hall.
Do you have any other tips? Why not share them below?
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