St Raphael's School

Mathematics

Emma Sbizzirri

Talking about Maths

Remember over the holiday period to continue to talk about mathematics in real-life contexts. Regardless of your child's age, regularly talking and engaging in conversation about mathematics can help build an authentic mathematical understanding. Some ways to help keep the talk engaging and focused: 

  • Revoice - Repeat what you heard your child say then ask for clarification (e.g. So you are saying that the train to the city departs in 12 minutes?)
  • Repeat/restate - Ask your child to restate your reasoning (e.g. Can you repeat what I said in your own way/words?)
  • Reasoning - Ask your child to apply their own reasoning to someone else's ideas (e.g. do you agree or disagree with Jill's thinking?)
  • Adding on - Prompt your child to add on or engage further (e.g. What more could we add?) 
  • Think Time - Remember to provide opportunities for your child to think. Wait a few seconds (even up to 20 seconds!) to give your child the opportunity to gather and contribute their thoughts. You may be surprised by how hard it is to stay silent in that time! 

Daily Maths opportunities

The holidays provides a wonderful opportunity to rest and recharge. It also enables opportunities for your child to engage in authentic, real-life learning opportunities. Over the holiday period you may like to engage your child by: 

  • Do we have enough plates and utensils for all the guests coming to Christmas?
  • We are doubling this Christmas pudding recipe. How much of all the ingredients will we need?
  • The store is selling your favourite game at the Boxing Day sales for 20% off. It's normal price is $27. How much will it cost? 
  • Engage in cooking - measuring, weighing, ordering, estimating, adding and multiplying! 
  • Restaurants and shopping involves money, number identification, estimating, adding, subtracting and division. 
  • Board game - focuses on one-to-one correspondence, problem-solving and trialling strategies.
  • Gardening involves measuring, counting, area, and division
  • Travelling - can relate to time tables, time, money, budgets, and estimation.
  • Practice number facts and times tables