From the
Assistant Principal
Dear Parents / Carers,
The Power of Hands-On Mathematics
In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, the value of hands-on learning experiences cannot be overstated. In mathematics, hands-on experiences give students at all levels the opportunity to explore, discover and ultimately master a range of concepts.
Hands-on learning fosters deeper understandings by allowing learners to see, touch and manipulate problems in real time. The use of hands-on materials and real world experiences help our students develop solid understandings of mathematical operations and concepts.
Beyond the classroom, hands-on mathematics experiences are everywhere! From baking cupcakes, to building furniture, to navigating using maps, countless real world tasks require mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Encouraging our students to apply and transfer mathematical principles beyond the classroom makes learning more relevant and reinforces the idea that mathematics is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us. For example, for many, data and probability may seem like somewhat abstract concepts. However, when comparing and analysing outcomes from sports matches, these concepts come to life.
By embracing hands-on experiences, we empower our students to understand mathematics and thrive in a world where mathematical literacy is more important than ever. This week, students across the school have been using hands-on materials to explore concepts including symmetry in Year Four and measurement in Foundation.
Troy 4B - We have been exploring symmetry. It is so much easier to think about symmetry and patterns when we can use the tiles. I can see the lines of symmetry by holding up the mirror. It’s lots of fun!
Henry and Ruby 0B – We wanted to see how far the car went. We chose paddle pop sticks because they were long, and we knew we had to measure right to where the car finished. They had to be in a straight line with the paddle pop sticks touching.
Kind regards,
Shae White
Assistant Principal