Foundation

TEEN NUMBERS ARE TAKING OVER THE PREP ROOM.

The Prep students have been busy cracking the secret code of teen numbers, and they can now tell you that teen numbers are not mysterious at all… they are simply a 10 and some more! Once this big idea clicked, there were plenty of “aha!” moments (and a few very proud smiles).

To support this learning, we have been using the CPA approach (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract). This means students first build teen numbers using hands-on materials like blocks and counters, then draw what those numbers look like, and finally write the numbers using numerals.

We have also begun exploring partitioning, which means breaking numbers apart (between 1–10) to see how many different ways they can be made. Again, the CPA approach is guiding the way with students building the number, drawing it, and then represent it using numbers. This helps them understand that numbers are flexible and can be broken apart and put back together in lots of clever ways.

This approach supports a deeper understanding of maths, rather than relying on rote memorisation. By moving through hands-on manipulation, visual representations, and symbolic equations, students are developing strong number sense that will support them as maths becomes more complex.

Needless to say, after a busy day of building, drawing and writing in maths, there are always a few runaway blocks, sneaky counters, and interesting counting materials hiding on the floor, clear evidence of a classroom full of mathematicians hard at work!