SPOTLIGHT ON THE CLASSROOMS
'LITTLE STARS' TRANSITION
Our 'Little Stars' learnt about the Water Cycle. We then completed an experiment to make rain in a jar. The children were able to set up, predict and execute the Science experiment. The amazement on their faces as the rain began to fall from the clouds brought a smile to my face. This learning experience provided an opportunity for the children to ask some detailed questions to the class and enabled the children to think like scientists.
3 - 6 CLASSROOM
This Term in Maths, we have started off with learning all about Multiplication. Students have been learning strategies to support their understanding of times tables, such as doubling. We have learned that our 2, 3 and 4 times tables can be doubled to find out answers to our 4, 6 and 8 times tables. As well as a few tricks to do with our 9 times tables.
Years 4, 5 and 6 have also been learning how to multiply larger numbers both in formal algorithms and some tricks to do with 0.
Below are some ‘Tips for Parents’ as to how you can support your child/ren in their learning of Multiplication concepts.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Times tables are a brilliant brain-training exercise for students. Good times-tables knowledge is vital for quick mental maths calculations and problem solving, e.g. if a child knows that 6 x 3 = 18, they will be able to work out that 6 x 30 = 180 or 60 x 3 = 180 almost instantly.
Useful items to help your help your child with times tables at home include:
A stack of coins – at least a dozen of each type of coin, and preferably two dozen $2.00, will let you make up a full set of tables to 12x12 for the occasions when your child might need to go back and check by counting. No cost, beyond the time it takes to collect up the change.
A pack of cards – take out the aces and Kings, count Jack as 11 and Queen as 12, and you can practice the full range of tables by dealing your child two cards and asking them to multiply them.
A pack of blank cards (make them out of cardboard or paper, or buy premade versions). These are infinitely versatile. You can write down any items your child struggles with and make Pelmanism sets with questions and answers. (Write the questions and answers on different cards. Shuffle and turn the cards face down. The child has to turn over a card, then turn over the matching card. You can start with a small number of sets and build up.) How many card questions can your child answer correctly against the clock? Boys very much enjoy this, but so do most girls.
Use Real-Life Examples
Grocery Shopping: Ask your child to calculate the total cost of multiple items or compare prices to find the best deals.
Cooking: Use recipes to illustrate multiplication, such as doubling a recipe or dividing it into portions.
Use highlighters to mark important information. Word problems are overwhelming, but you can help your child break the problem down by only highlighting the parts of the problem that are important. Teach them to highlight significant numbers and key phrases in math problems so they can focus on what matters.
Talk about and use in everyday situations all the different language that is used for the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
Real-World Scenarios: Incorporate multiplication questions into daily activities, like setting the table (e.g., "If each person gets 3 pieces of cutlery, how many pieces do we need for 4 people?").
What are ‘multiplication facts’? Why are they essential to your child’s success in maths?
