This product is a thoughtfully designed printable teacher resource that doubles as meaningful classroom decor. As part of our wider range of teacher resources, it supports learning while creating visual calm, clarity, and cohesion in modern classrooms.

Build strong, conceptual understanding of order of operations with this clear and purposeful GEMA Display, designed to address common misconceptions and support students beyond memorising BODMAS.

GEMA — Grouping symbols, Exponents, Multiplicative Operations, Additive Operations — reframes order of operations in a way that makes mathematical thinking visible and logical. By explicitly using ‘OR’ language, this resource helps students understand that:

• Multiplication OR Division are completed from left to right
• Subtraction OR Addition are completed from left to right

This subtle shift is powerful. It supports students in moving away from incorrect assumptions (such as always multiplying before dividing) and builds a deeper understanding of how operations work together within an expression.

Designed as a large, easy-to-read display, this resource acts as a consistent classroom reference, supporting explicit teaching, guided practice, and independent problem-solving.

This teacher resource includes:

• A clear breakdown of the GEMA acronym
• Grouping symbols (brackets) highlighted as the first step
• Exponents included to extend understanding beyond basic operations
• Mathematical symbols (÷ × + −) paired with each operation
• Student-friendly language to support comprehension and discussion
• Clean, bold formatting for high visibility across the classroom

Perfect for upper primary classrooms, this display supports students in explaining their reasoning, reducing errors, and developing confidence when working with multi-step numerical expressions.

Use as a wall display, anchor chart, or reference point during maths lessons to strengthen understanding and correct misconceptions from the outset.

Format: PDF

Gifted and Talented Teacher creates teacher resources designed to lighten the load and classroom decor that lifts the room.