Troy's learning news    

This year each newsletter I have decided to add information about specific learning that is occurring at Uraidla Primary School. Each newsletter I will give information about mathematics, English and other curriculum areas. 

This issue I wanted to discuss our new mathematics intervention program. This year the school has invested in using Bond Blocks, which is a program that focuses on developing fundamental mental number skills for students from year 1 through year 3. It can be used as a tier 1 focus (whole class) or tier 2/3 small/individual group intervention.  Students complete individual assessments that determine misconceptions or a lack of fluency. The aim is for students to understand number knowledge with fluency since that is one indicator of student success in future mathematics. 

For students in Years 1 to 3 the major predictors of difficulties in maths are: 

1. Persistent use of finger counting to add. 

2. Lack of recall of basic facts (bonds). 

3. Inefficient addition strategies such as counting all. 

Bond Blocks target the teaching of all basic facts (bonds) used for addition and subtraction and the related strategies. The program uses high-impact teaching strategies with a focus on repetition to develop fluency with a particular skill. 

We are running multiple intervention groups with SSOs and myself and are beginning whole class teaching in Jaya’s Year 1 class. 

In the future, I plan to run an information session for those parents interested in the new program. If you have any questions, please let me know and I would be happy to provide further information for you.

Please feel free to look at the website which gives you videos and resources you can see about the program.

Bond Blocks Program - Mental Maths & Intervention Support Program Australia

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