Teaching and Learning

As you may have read in previous school newsletters, throughout this year our teachers have participated in professional learning days with Dr Ange Rogers, focusing on developing students’ number sense and strengthening their mathematics learning. I wanted to share some practical ideas from Dr Ange Rogers’ blog post, Linking Home and School in Maths. Dr Rogers highlights that mathematics teaching has changed considerably over the years, and parents may not always be familiar with the strategies, language and materials their children are using at school.

Her advice is simple: leave the teaching to the teachers and focus on building maths fluency at home. Just as home reading helps children develop reading fluency, short, regular opportunities to practise familiar maths skills can build confidence, accuracy and enjoyment.

Make Maths Part of Everyday Life!

Dr Rogers suggests trying a simple “Car Quiz” during everyday trips. Ask your child three to five quick questions about familiar mathematics concepts. Keep it light, fun and achievable, and encourage your child to ask you questions, too!

Here are some examples you could try at home, depending on your child’s year level:

• Foundation: One more or one less. “What is one more than 3?”
• Year 1: Doubles. “What is double 3?”
• Year 2: Double, double. “What is double 2, then double that answer?” (2 → 4 → 8)
• Year 3: Halving. “What is half of 8?” or “What is half of 60?”
• Year 4: Multiplication facts. “What are three fours?” (3 × 4 = 12)
• Year 5: Factors. “What are the factors of 12?” (1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12)
• Year 6: Percentage discounts. “What is 10% off $50?” ($45)

The key is to keep the questions easy enough to build confidence and encourage success. You can even ask your child what they have been learning in Mathematics at school and use this as inspiration for your questions.

Learn Through Play

Another suggestion from Dr Rogers is to make time for board games and card games as a family. Games such as UNO, Cluedo, Trouble and Checkers provide opportunities to practise counting, number recognition, strategic thinking, problem-solving and other mathematical skills, all while having fun together.

You do not need to set aside a long period of time or introduce formal lessons at home. A few minutes of maths practice during everyday routines, combined with opportunities to play and explore, can make a real difference to your child’s confidence and fluency.

I encourage families to try some of these simple ideas at home and continue fostering a positive attitude towards Mathematics.

If you would like to read Dr Ange Rogers’ full blog post, Linking Home and School in Maths, you can find it here: Linking Home and School in Maths. Please note that the article is primarily written for teachers, but it contains some valuable ideas for families.

Danielle Phillips

Teaching and Learning Leader