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?. Read more...