Mathematics

Endless Opportunities

With the news that playgrounds are again closing for two weeks, we may need to find creative ways to engage our children in fun activities outside - particularly away from devices outside the school day. What better way than to engage in activities that are both fun but also involve learning! 

The Numeracy@Home project was developed by Monash University in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education Melbourne, and Doveton College. 

It validates the important and influential role parents play as children's first educators of mathematics and provides investigative ways families can support mathematical thinking. 

The website provides 11 ways to support Mathematical thinking and activities can be adapted based on the age and need of your child. 

Activity 1: Compare and Measure 

Children learn and establish mathematical thinking through comparing and measuring objects they handle and observe. 

On your walk or around your house, point out observations and do best thinking out loud to model to your child. 

• How long things are and how short things are.
• How heavy things are and how light things are.
• How much something holds or how little something holds. 

For further information on other ways you can engage with your child, visit the Numeracy@Home Project website at https://www.numeracyathome.com/look-and-compare 

Challenging Tasks

Challenging tasks provide opportunities for students to think like a mathematician to solve problems and find multiple solutions. Challenging tasks enable students to problem-solve and justify their thinking and offer rich opportunities to engage in Maths. It often requires a deeper understanding of Maths through trial and error, problem-solving, and justifying, rather than simply solving number equations. 

Here is an activity you may like to try with your child: (This can be adapted to suit all levels) 

"I did a subtraction task and the answer was 215 but I cannot remember the other numbers." Find as many solutions to this subtraction as possible. 

• Encourage your child to think about different ways they could solve this problem and to record their thinking
• Encourage them to think of more than one way to find the answer
• You may like to ask your child: What are some ways to work this out? Why did you work it out that way? Can you tell me how you got your answer? Can you think of a different way to find the answer? Can you create a similar problem for a family member to solve?