Year 1 Bulletin

This week’s bulletin focus is additive thinking and we have selected a task where everyone could have a different answer, but they can all be right. This takes away some of the pressure than can be felt in maths, as it allows learners to work at their own pace and explore different ways to solve problems.

Learning intention:  To identify a strategy to solve a worded problem.

Learning Task: (adapted from nrich maths)

The purpose of the task was for students to explore the different combinations of number they could use to make 12.  They were presented with a variety of creatures including a Ladybird, a Puppy, an Echidna, a Spider and an Emu. Using those animals, they needed to create different equations of animals that Noah could have seen walking onto his boat. Each equation had to total 12 legs.

Students worked independently in their books. They drew a variety of animals that totalled 12 and counted the number of legs to be certain that their combinations were correct. There were a variety of answers that students came up with including using more than two animals. Some students created number sentences to match the pictures.

Student photos:

Strengthening the Home/School Partnership - What you can do:

• You could adapt this task at home by providing your child with a different total they could make, or a set of different animals.
• Asking them to add together different amounts of fruit, for example “how much would I have all together if I have 2 apples and 4 bananas?”
• Counting different coloured cars and adding together how many you have seen altogether.
• Using footy scores, for example if a team has scored 20 points. How many goals and points could they have scored? 

Stef and Rachel

Year 1 Team

Stephanie.Lampard@education.vic.gov.au

Rachel.Jackson@education.vic.gov.au