Mathematics News
Mathematics at Westgrove!
Maths Vocabulary Word of the Week:
Each newsletter we will be introducing you all to a new maths vocabulary word for you to learn.
Capacity
Capacity is a term used to describe how much a container will hold. It is often used in relation to the volume of fluids. Units of capacity (volume of fluids or gases) include litres (L) and millilitres (mL). For example, the boot capacity of a typical hatchback car would be around 390 litres.
Maths on the Holidays!
School holidays are all about relaxing, enjoying a well-earned break and having a good time with family and friends.
But, believe it or not, school holidays can also be a great opportunity to practice maths skills with your child. Now I’m not talking about boring drill and practice maths exercises, which will just get your child AND yourself frustrated! I’m talking about making maths fun!
Here are some great ideas - lots of practical and fun activities you and your child will enjoy.
Play the license plate game!
This is an all-time favourite – there are so many variants to play it, your kids will never get bored in the car again! This is a great game as you can adapt the game to your child’s math level.
- While driving, kids have to spot on license plates each number from 0 to any pre-determined number in order (e.g. 0-10 for younger kids, 0-999 for older kids).
- Kids can also find which numbers are odd and which ones are even. As an extension, they can point out which ones are prime.
- Another way to play is for kids to try to make up the largest number from a license plate by rearranging the numbers.
- According to math level, kids can add, subtract, multiply, or divide all numbers in a license plate. If you have more than one child, see who can do it faster.
- For an extra challenge, ask them to use the numbers in a license plate to make the number 24 by using any combination of the orders of operation.
Board Games
Playing games with the family is a great opportunity to practice math skills! There are so many different board games that involve math skills – these are some of my favourites:
- Bingo, Snakes and ladders, Uno, Monopoly, Battleship, Yahtzee, Risk.
- At the end of the day, no matter what board game you play, if you make your child keep track of the score, they will be doing math.
Making Sense of Time
Making up a schedule for the day which includes the start and end time for each activity. Ask your kids to predict how long routine activities will take, such as a walk to the park, a drive to the local shops, etc.
Problems of the Week!
Prep - 2 Problem
Year 3 - 6 Problem
