Mathematics at St John
Spotlight on Learning in Maths!
The Year 5/6 students continued their learning about three-dimensional shapes by using the Splat 3D drawing tools to help them design a plan for a new playground.
Check out the photos of their playgrounds below!
How many 3D shapes can you find in their playgrounds?
Lots of great Maths learning was spotted around the school, building understanding of concepts through the use of concrete materials and games.
Learning about probability through the use of dice games
Practising Maths Skills During the Holidays
School holidays are all about relaxing, enjoying a well-earned break and having a good time with family and friends. They can also be a great opportunity to practice maths skills with your child in a fun way!
Discovering Shapes
Encourage your child to explore different shapes.
How many sides does each shape have?
Is it similar to any other shape?
Which one?
Discuss the shape of common household and outdoor items.
- Puzzles are a great way to discover shapes by making the pieces fit right.
- Copy, draw, paint and make shapes using different materials
Counting
Counting can be practiced everywhere! At the park, count trees, rocks, swings, etc. Count food items at snack time (e.g. carrot sticks, grapes, apple pieces, crackers). Ask questions such as: “Do we have the same? Who has more? How can we make it equal?”
Recognising Numbers
- Recognise numbers on books, toys, telephones, and on packaged food.
- Outside, we can find numbers on license plates, house numbers, and advertising signs.
License Plate Games
- Find which numbers are odd and which ones are even. Which numbers are prime?
- Make up the largest number from a license plate by rearranging the numbers
- Add, subtract, multiply, or divide all numbers in a license plate
- 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 practise maths skills!
- Snakes and ladders
- Uno
- Monopoly
- Bingo
- Battleship
- Deck of cards - Snap (recognizing numbers), Make the biggest number/smallest number, facts to 10, etc
Creating a daily schedule
Making up a schedule for the day which includes the start and end time for each activity. Ask your child to predict how long routine activities will take, such as a walk to the park, a drive to the local shops, etc.
Shopping
- How much can I spend?
- What can I buy?
- How much change will I get?
- Analyse different product costs and select the best options (e.g. look at the price of toilet paper per sheet rather than the price of the whole package)
- Predict the total to be paid while waiting at the register
Cooking
- Measuring out ingredients
- Setting a timer for cooking times
There are so many fun ways to practice maths during the holidays. I would love to see some Photos of your family enjoying learning together over the holidays!
Send them through to ahendy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au.
Anna Hendy
(Maths Leader)